The phrase “Do this in remembrance of me” is a well-known verse in the Bible that is often associated with the Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples. This verse is commonly recited during the Eucharist or Communion, where Christians partake in the bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. But what does this verse really mean, and why is it so significant to Christians?
To understand the significance of this verse, it is important to examine the context in which Jesus spoke these words. According to the Bible, Jesus was sharing a meal with his disciples the night before his crucifixion. During the meal, he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:19-20)
This act of sharing bread and wine with his disciples was a symbolic representation of Jesus’ impending sacrifice on the cross. By asking his followers to continue to do this in remembrance of him, Jesus was asking them to remember his sacrifice and the new covenant that he was establishing with them through his death and resurrection. This verse is therefore a reminder to Christians of the central message of their faith – that through Jesus’ sacrifice, they are redeemed and brought into a new relationship with God.
Biblical Context of “Do This in Remembrance of Me”
The phrase “Do This in Remembrance of Me” comes from the account of the Last Supper in the New Testament. According to Luke 22:19, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Paul recounts the same event and quotes Jesus as saying, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me…This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
The context of this command is significant. Jesus is sharing a meal with his disciples, and he is about to be arrested, tried, and crucified. He knows that his time on earth is coming to an end, and he wants to leave his followers with a tangible reminder of his sacrifice. By using bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood, Jesus is providing a way for his disciples to remember him and his sacrifice for them.
The act of “doing this in remembrance of me” has become known as the Eucharist, Communion, or the Lord’s Supper in Christian tradition. It is a sacrament that is celebrated in many Christian churches as a way of remembering and reenacting Jesus’ sacrifice. The bread and wine are seen as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, and by partaking in them, Christians believe that they are participating in his sacrifice and receiving his grace.
The biblical context of “Do This in Remembrance of Me” is therefore significant for understanding the importance of the Eucharist in Christian tradition. It is a way of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and receiving his grace, and it is a tangible reminder of his love for his followers.
The Last Supper and Its Significance
The Last Supper is one of the most significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. It was the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. During the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, giving it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
This command from Jesus has been the foundation of the Christian practice of Communion or the Lord’s Supper. It is a symbolic act that commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his victory over death. The bread represents his body that was broken for us, and the wine or grape juice represents his blood that was shed for us.
The Last Supper was also significant because it marked the institution of the new covenant between God and humanity. Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). The new covenant replaced the old covenant that was established between God and the nation of Israel through Moses.
The Last Supper was a powerful moment of fellowship, teaching, and instruction. Jesus used the opportunity to teach his disciples about the importance of humility, service, and love. He washed their feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants, and instructed them to love one another as he had loved them.
In conclusion, the Last Supper was a significant event in the life of Jesus Christ that has had a profound impact on the Christian faith. It marked the institution of the new covenant, the foundation of the practice of Communion, and a powerful moment of teaching and instruction for his disciples.
Jesus’ Command: “Do This in Remembrance of Me”
The phrase “Do this in remembrance of me” is a command given by Jesus Christ to his disciples during the Last Supper. This command is recorded in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 1 Corinthians. The phrase is uttered by Jesus after he breaks bread and shares wine with his disciples, telling them that the bread represents his body, which is given for them, and the wine represents his blood, which is shed for them.
Symbolism of Bread and Wine
The bread and wine used in the Last Supper have deep symbolic meaning. The bread represents the body of Christ, which was broken for the salvation of humanity. The wine represents the blood of Christ, which was shed for the forgiveness of sins. This symbolism is central to the Christian faith, and the act of sharing bread and wine in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice is a cornerstone of Christian worship.
Importance of Remembrance
The command to “Do this in remembrance of me” is a call to remember the sacrifice of Christ and to keep it at the forefront of one’s mind. This remembrance is not just a mental exercise, but an act of worship that involves the sharing of bread and wine. By sharing in the bread and wine, Christians are reminded of the sacrifice of Christ and are brought closer to God.
In addition to serving as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, the act of sharing bread and wine also serves to unify Christians. By sharing in the same ritual, Christians are brought together as a community of believers. This sense of unity is an important aspect of Christian worship, and is reflected in the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote that “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:17).
Overall, the command to “Do this in remembrance of me” is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ and the importance of unity among Christians. By sharing in the bread and wine, Christians are brought closer to God and to one another, and are reminded of the central message of the Christian faith.
The Role of Communion in Christianity
Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is a sacrament celebrated by Christians around the world. It involves the eating of bread and drinking of wine or grape juice, which symbolize the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Communion is an important part of Christian worship and has been practiced since the time of Jesus.
Connection to the Last Supper
The origins of Communion can be traced back to the Last Supper, which was the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. During the meal, Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, and gave them to his disciples, saying, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This command has been passed down through the centuries and is still observed by Christians today.
Spiritual Significance
Communion has spiritual significance for Christians, as it represents the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. When Christians partake in Communion, they are reminded of Jesus’ death and resurrection and are encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with God. Communion is also seen as a way to unite Christians together as one body, regardless of denomination or background.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Communion also has practical implications for Christians. It is a way for Christians to remember and honor Jesus’ sacrifice, and to renew their commitment to following him. Communion is also a way for Christians to be reminded of the importance of forgiveness, as they are called to forgive others as Christ has forgiven them.
Overall, Communion plays an important role in the practice of Christianity. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and a way for Christians to connect with God and each other.
Interpretations Across Christian Denominations
When it comes to the interpretation of the phrase “Do this in remembrance of me,” there are variations across Christian denominations. Here are some of the interpretations:
Catholic Interpretation
The Catholic Church believes that the phrase refers to the Eucharist, which is a sacrament that involves the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Catholics believe that when they participate in the Eucharist, they are not only remembering Christ’s sacrifice but also receiving his actual body and blood. The Catholic Church also believes in the concept of transubstantiation, which means that the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ, even though they still appear to be bread and wine.
Protestant Interpretation
Protestants interpret the phrase differently. They believe that the phrase refers to the act of taking communion, which is a symbolic representation of Christ’s sacrifice. Protestants do not believe in the concept of transubstantiation and do not believe that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. Instead, they view the bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s sacrifice and believe that by taking communion, they are remembering and honoring his sacrifice.
Overall, while there are variations in interpretation across Christian denominations, the phrase “Do this in remembrance of me” is generally understood as a call to remember and honor Christ’s sacrifice.
Modern Practice and Meaning
Today, the phrase “Do This in Remembrance of Me” is most commonly associated with the Christian sacrament of Communion or the Eucharist. During Communion, bread and wine are consumed in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. This practice is based on the Last Supper, where Jesus instructed his disciples to eat bread and drink wine in remembrance of him.
The act of Communion has deep religious significance for Christians. It is seen as a way to connect with God and to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity. It is also a way to reaffirm one’s faith and to participate in a communal act of worship.
While the practice of Communion is common in many Christian denominations, there are variations in how it is performed. Some churches use unleavened bread, while others use regular bread. Some churches use wine, while others use grape juice. Some churches offer Communion weekly, while others offer it less frequently.
Despite these variations, the meaning behind the phrase “Do This in Remembrance of Me” remains the same. It is a call to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and to participate in a communal act of worship. For many Christians, it is a powerful reminder of their faith and a way to feel closer to God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “Do This in Remembrance of Me” is a command that Jesus gave to his disciples during the Last Supper. The purpose of this command is to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity through his death on the cross.
The phrase has been interpreted in various ways by different Christian denominations, but the most common interpretation is that it refers to the sacrament of Holy Communion, where Christians partake in the bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice.
The phrase has been the subject of much theological discussion and debate, with scholars and theologians exploring its significance and meaning. However, at its core, the phrase is a call to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and to live a life that reflects the love and grace that he demonstrated through his life and death.
Overall, the phrase “Do This in Remembrance of Me” is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the importance of living a life that reflects his teachings and example. It is a call to remember the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated and to share that love and grace with others.
