In Remembrance of Me: Luke 22:14-20

It is nearly always good to eat with close friends. There is just something about enjoying a meal together that strengthens bonds and lightens hearts. It is apparent from this passage that Jesus shared that view: "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you". But there is something deeper here as well. Jesus is showing his disciples that he loves them and his love is deeper, more radical and more intense than ever demonstrated by any human in the history of the world before or since.

First, Jesus lets his disciples know the time is now very short. After this meal, he won't eat or drink again until he returns from the cross. There is an element of prophecy here, but I think more significantly Jesus is making clear that he is not a victim of circumstance. He knows what is about to happen and is not seeking to change it. He wants his disciples to know that this is not just another Passover, but represents the last time they will enjoy one together. It's as if he is saying, "Hey guys, pay attention this is important!"

Second, Jesus is demonstrating that regardless of his circumstance he will obey God his Father. He took the cup and gave thanks. He also broke the bread and gave thanks. I sincerely doubt that this was a quick formulaic prayer by Jesus to his Father. Nothing Jesus does is formulaic; that would be outside his character. His actions are always careful, intentional and with feeling. It is interesting that the Gospel writer was careful to make note of both prayers in the text. I think it may be because the author wanted to make clear that even though Jesus was under tremendous stress, he still remembered that the simple pleasure of this meal was a tremendous gift from God and love for his Father demands that he thank him for it. Jesus always had his priorities straight.

Third, Jesus shows his disciples what love really means. "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Jesus is predicting his death on the cross and is at the same time creating a ceremony to memorialize it. His body is about to be broken, not because he was a victim of the Roman Empire that was seeking to prevent a Jewish uprising, or a victim of Jewish leaders seeking to prevent a rabble rouser from diminishing their authority, but because Jesus loved us. He gave us his body and poured out his blood of his own volition so that we by his death may have life. It was entirely because of Love that he died on the cross.

This is why the celebration of the Lord's Supper should be so significant to us. It is a ceremony remembering that Jesus was a lover of our souls, and when you are loved by Jesus, you can be sure that that Love will stop at nothing. It is an all out, radical, revolutionary, extreme love that will sacrifice for you in obedience to the Father. What a Savior!

by Adam Metcalf