Remember Me

A devotional by guest writer, Meryl McKean

Do this in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19b

What is your memory like? We vary so much, don’t we? I struggle to remember numbers and often names, but I’m much better at remembering what I’m doing next week. It’s good to have prompts to help us remember – I have one I use to help me focus when I pray. It’s a small bowl containing selected objects, each with a memory prompt. There is a broken shell which leads me to pray for particular people struggling in life. Also, among other objects, a small wooden heart which reminds me to pray for those closest to me. When it is hard to form the words, I can hold the object up to God and symbolically place someone in his hands. I find symbols so helpful to direct my thoughts.

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:19–20

This is what Jesus was doing in the text above. He took the elements from a familiar feast and endowed them with fresh meaning. For the disciples, remembering this act would have evoked all sorts of emotions. This meal was the scene of deep closeness and sharing, and yet also the place where Jesus talked of betrayal and denial from within the twelve. The significance of this moment was apparent yet veiled. They needed to feel their way, living through this historic meal without the gift of hindsight.

From the familiar rhythm of the Passover feast, marking the nation’s escape from Egypt, Jesus presented himself as the unblemished lamb of God. He instructed his disciples, and later the church, to remember him in the act of what we refer to as communion. By taking part we allow the elements of broken bread and wine poured out, to speak deeply of his sacrifice on our behalf. When our minds remember our failings, regrets and poor choices, Jesus tells us to remember him. Our sins are covered, and we have the chance to offer grateful thanks and praise for this life-giving act. To remember Jesus is to lift us out of the place of captivity and fix our eyes on the face of Jesus.

Take some time to consider Jesus, to look to him and thank him.