Blog 13: Remembrance
The teachings of Jesus in the Upper Room with His disciples have been at the forefront of my reflections and sermon preparation recently. So much teaching happens within these 5 chapters of John 13-17, and it really addresses every aspect of what it means to be a Christian. Within this section He teaches how to serve, how to pray, how to love, and how to abide in Him. He institutes a remembrance meal that has come to be known as the sacrament of Communion. He promises to send the Holy Spirit and promises to go prepare a place for His followers in Heaven.
Two things have really stuck with me about the meal Jesus shared with His disciples: Jesus confessing He has sought to have this meal with them earnestly and His command to “do this in remembrance of Me.” The thought that Jesus earnestly or eagerly sought to have what He certainly knew would be His final meal before His arrest and Crucifixion is striking. It is with absolute conviction that the reconciliation and restoration of humanity to God was at hand when Jesus makes this statement. His command to remember Him comes just prior to His promise that He will be sending the Spirit to them Who will remind them of everything he did and taught.
Prior to His ascension back to Heaven Jesus gives His Great Commission for the purpose of “teaching them all that I commanded you” and near the end of John’s gospel he writes “but these things have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ; and that believing you may have life in His name.” These things are written so that we may remember Jesus, not just His last supper and sacrifice but rather His entire ministry. I wrote this poem/song as I attempted to do just that…to remember Him. My prayer is that you would take this opportunity to truly sit and take some time to remember Him today. May you live your life today and always in remembrance of Him. Blessings to you all!
REMEMBRANCE (COMMUNION) [V1, V2, C, V3, Cx2]
VERSE 1
In remembrance of You, Jesus,
We come to your table humbly.
To share in your meal, Jesus,
That You established earnestly.
VERSE 2
In remembrance of You, Jesus,
And your New Covenant ministry.
Your body and blood, Jesus,
Our bread and wine of unity.
VERSE 3
In remembrance of You, Jesus,
We abide in your love eternally.
Just as You and the Father, Jesus,
Be in us so the world may believe.
CHORUS
We remember your miracles,
We remember your love,
We remember your promises,
We remember your sacrifice,
All to bring us home with You.