1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT)
“For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord Himself. On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and His people—an agreement confirmed with My blood. Do this in remembrance of Me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again.”
Reflection:
The thing that first strikes me as I read this passage is the use of the word ‘remembrance’. I’ll be honest – I struggle to remember why I’ve just walked into the kitchen, why I opened that cupboard door or whose birthday it is today! Life can be so busy, and even in this exceptional time of lockdown where normal patterns and routines have stopped, you have probably noticed there is still a fight for your thoughts and so much that goes on in our heads. The invitation to the Lord’s supper is a wonderful opportunity for us to stop, draw aside and take time to actively remember the most important things. In the midst of uncertainty and fear, there is something so grounding for us as believers to pause and remember Him.
Jesus began His supper by giving thanks despite the fact that He was going through a personal betrayal (V23). He teaches us here to put aside what is going on around us and remember Him and what He has done for us. He gave His life for us, established a new covenant between us and Father God which was confirmed through His blood, shed for us.
Prayer outline:
– Begin by giving thanks. Maybe you feel fearful, hurt or even betrayed in this difficult time? Jesus identifies with the wrestle within, but shows us how using thanksgiving postures our hearts to receive His blessings.
– Take time today to pause, break bread and remember what Jesus has done for you. Come to His table, feast upon the wonderful meal that feeds and nourishes your soul. I promise, as you ‘remember Him’ everything else gets in line behind our unchanging and unshakable Saviour.
– To help us feel connected to our Jubilee family today, as you break bread take a moment to remember your fellow brothers and sisters and pray God’s blessing over them too.