This is a brief meditation that was given on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. The service was recorded with no congregation present because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. "Participants" were instructed beforehand to prepare the bread and cup prior to watching the service. The message is based on the words of Jesus, "... do this in remembrance of me" that are recorded in Luke 22:19.
Written Excerpts:
Luke 22:19-20 (NKJV) 19 And He took bread,
gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This
is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 20 Likewise
He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the
new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
Introduction:
Once again, we are recording this video for you since we are trying to
comply with state officials and keep physically isolated during this virus
crisis.
I’m glad that we still have various means to stay connected, even while
physically apart. I also regret the fact that some of our people do not have the
capability to see this video and join in.
For our short time together on this Good Friday, I want to draw
attention to a word that Jesus used in Luke 22:19 which I read a moment ago. The
word is, “remembrance.”
Jesus said that he wanted his disciples to keep on doing what he was
doing, and to do it in remembrance of him.
NT language scholars tell us that the word “remembrance” is an old word
meaning to remind or to recall. In regard to the Lord’s Supper, it is used only
here in Luke and again in 1 Cor. 11.
There is another place in the NT where this word appears.
Hebrews 10:3 (NKJV) But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.
In that verse the author is explaining that the sacrifices brought to
the OT priests were a remembrance of their sins. It was a reminder that their
sins made it necessary to offer the sacrifices.
So again, today I want to urge you to join in this time of communion in
order to remember Jesus.
What are we to remember?
1. In similar
fashion to the point made in Hebrews, we remember that our sins were
the reason for His death.
Whenever the people of Israel brought a calf or a lamb to be
sacrificed, they were reminded that the death of this animal was required
because of their sins.
When we partake of the communion emblems, we remember that the death of
Jesus was required because of our sins.
He didn’t die for his own wrongs. He had no sin, but “he was made sin
for us.”
The second thing we remember is closely related to this first point. We
not only remember that our sins were the reason for His death, but…
2. We remember that His sacrifice once-for-all [provides] for the full
and final remission of sins.” (Jam. Fau. Bro.)
Yes, Communion reminds us that our sins cost our Lord his life. But it
also reminds us that our sins have been forgiven, atoned for and wiped from the
record.
We do not carry the burden of guilt continually. We’ve been pardoned;
declared righteous because of the blood.
Shame may linger, and it may take awhile to work through the scars of
past wrongs, but guilt (a legal term) is gone. There is no longer any record
“on the books.”
Oh, hallelujah for the remission of sins.
3. We remember his willingness to be our substitute sacrifice.
The animals sacrificed in the OT obviously had no control over the
matter. They were literally, “lambs led to the slaughter.”
But Jesus is a person, not an animal. More than that, he is not just
any person, but he is the eternal Son of God. He had the power to overcome the
executioners.
“He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set
him free… but he died alone for you and me.”
That old song is a firm reminder of what he could have done to save his
own life, but he willingly surrendered his power of self-preservation in order
to provide universal atonement.
It was love that prompted his willing sacrifice.
That Christ should
join so freely in the scheme,
Although it meant
his death on Calvary
Did ever human
tongue find nobler theme
Than love divine that ransomed me?
Such love, such
wondrous love!
Such love, such
wondrous love!
That God should
love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!
Amen. Amen.
As you can see here on the table beside me, we have especially prepared
our own communion elements that we will share. If each of you watching will get
yours ready, we will proceed.
Let us pray.
Breaking of the bread.
“Jesus took the bread and gave thanks and brake it and gave it to his
disciples, and he said take, eat, this is my body which is given for you.”
Eat this bread remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in
your spirit, by faith, and be thankful.
“Then Jesus took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to
them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28For
this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the
remission of sins.”
Drink this remembering that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be
thankful.
Let us pray.
Benediction: And now, may the peace of God, which passes
all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessings of God Almighty, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, remain with you always. Amen.
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