The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt stands as a monument and memorial to the pride of Pharaoh Khufu. The pyramid’s base covers 13 acres. It is estimated to contain 2 to 2.8 million blocks of stone, each weighing from 2 to 15 tons. Some 100,000 slaves spent 20 years in its construction. How unlike the memorial Jesus instituted for His death. Instead of being located in a far off place that most will never see, it is always near. Instead of requiring tons of stone susceptible to erosion, it simply requires unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-29). Instead of thousands of men laboring years to build, it is commemorated by millions of men and women all over the world each Lord’s Day (i.e., Acts 20:7; cf. Acts 2:41-42).
In observing the Lord’s supper, we as Christians, keep in memory our Lord as He sacrificed Himself on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 9:12-14; Hebrews 10:9-12). We think about His great love, His sacrifice, and His forgiveness. We commune, not only with Him, but with all those who are His (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). We share a Savior who suffered and died for the salvation of all mankind (John 3:16-17). We are reminded of what is truly important in life (Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV; cf. John 14:15; John 15:10; 1 John 3:18-24).
For this time, our disagreements, distractions, egos, and worldly enticements are set aside. There is to be no recognition of rich or poor, black or white, male or female. Every thought is on Him and His sacrifice for our sins. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). When you meet in sweet communion this Lord’s Day and on those to follow, go back in your mind’s eye to that horrible scene at Golgotha (Matthew 27; John 19). No humble and honest heart that weekly visits the cross can remain haughty, prideful, and hateful. Remember the One who loved you and gave Himself for you (Mark 10:45; cf. 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Beloved, remember the One who shed His blood for the cleansing of your sin (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). Remember the crown on His head, the nails in His hands and feet, the spear in His side. Remember the jeers He suffered from the crowd and the separation He suffered from His Father (Matthew 27:46; Hebrews 5:7). Truly remember Him and His life (1 John 2:6), and see if you can look at your life and people in the same way as before. As the beautiful sacred song tells us, “While we feast, Christ gently whispers, Do this in My memory” (video).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
For this time, our disagreements, distractions, egos, and worldly enticements are set aside. There is to be no recognition of rich or poor, black or white, male or female. Every thought is on Him and His sacrifice for our sins. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). When you meet in sweet communion this Lord’s Day and on those to follow, go back in your mind’s eye to that horrible scene at Golgotha (Matthew 27; John 19). No humble and honest heart that weekly visits the cross can remain haughty, prideful, and hateful. Remember the One who loved you and gave Himself for you (Mark 10:45; cf. 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Beloved, remember the One who shed His blood for the cleansing of your sin (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). Remember the crown on His head, the nails in His hands and feet, the spear in His side. Remember the jeers He suffered from the crowd and the separation He suffered from His Father (Matthew 27:46; Hebrews 5:7). Truly remember Him and His life (1 John 2:6), and see if you can look at your life and people in the same way as before. As the beautiful sacred song tells us, “While we feast, Christ gently whispers, Do this in My memory” (video).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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