What does "Do this in remembrance of Me" signify in Luke 22:19 for Christians today? Text and Immediate Context “Then He took the bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ ” (Luke 22:19). Spoken in the upper-room Passover, the words inaugurate the Lord’s Supper immediately before the crucifixion (cf. Luke 22:1–20; Mark 14:22-25; Matthew 26:26-29). Original Language: ἀνάμνησιν (Anamnēsin) — Covenant Memorial Luke records Jesus’ imperative “ποιοῦτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν” (“keep on doing this for My remembrance”). ἀνάμνησις is used in Septuagint cultic texts for memorial offerings (e.g., Leviticus 24:7). Here it signals a covenantal memorial that calls the redemptive act to mind and brings its benefits into present experience. Passover Background and Typology The Lord’s Supper arises from Passover, the annual memorial of Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 12:13-14). Jesus, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), re-frames the meal: unleavened bread now signifies His sinless body, the cup His blood of the New Covenant (Luke 22:20; Jeremiah 31:31-34). Passover looked back to Egypt; the Supper looks back to Calvary—the greater exodus from sin and death. Institution of the New Covenant Meal “Do this” is the authoritative institution of a continuing ordinance. As with baptism (Matthew 28:19), Christ himself originates and commands the practice, placing it at the heart of Christian worship (Acts 2:42). The elements are visible, tangible proclamations of the gospel (1 Corinthians 11:26). Command Imperative for the Church The Greek present imperative stresses ongoing repetition. The church is to observe the Supper until the Parousia (1 Corinthians 11:26, “until He comes”). Frequency is left to pastoral wisdom, but the act is non-optional. Proclamation of the Gospel Until He Comes Taking the bread and cup “proclaims the Lord’s death” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Supper is a dramatized sermon: Christ died, rose, and will return. Each observance is evangelistic, catechetical, and eschatological. Spiritual Participation and Communion Paul teaches that believers “participate in the body… and blood of Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:16). While repudiating transubstantiation’s metaphysics, historic evangelicalism affirms a real, spiritual communion: by faith through the Spirit, worshipers receive grace, assurance, and nourishment (John 6:53-58, read figuratively yet vitally). Self-Examination and Sanctification The memorial demands introspection: “Let a man examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Remembering Christ’s sacrifice exposes sin, moves to confession, and motivates holy living (Romans 6:1-14). Behavioral science confirms that ritual remembrance reinforces identity and moral commitment. Corporate Unity and Witness “One bread… one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17). The table crosses ethnic, socioeconomic, and generational lines (Galatians 3:28). In a fragmented culture, the shared memorial testifies to supernatural unity (John 17:20-23). Eschatological Hope Jesus vowed, “I will not drink again… until the kingdom of God comes” (Luke 22:18). Each Supper anticipates the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Remembrance is therefore forward-looking, instilling hope and perseverance (Titus 2:13). Historical Practice in the Early Church Acts 2:42; 20:7 record weekly observance. The Didache (c. A.D. 50-70) and Justin Martyr’s First Apology (c. A.D. 155) describe a memorial meal centered on Christ’s death and resurrection. Second-century catacomb frescoes show believers breaking bread—archaeological confirmation of continuous practice. Theological Significance for Salvation and Worship The Supper is not a re-sacrifice but a remembrance of the once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 10:10-14). It anchors worship in the historical resurrection (Luke 24:30-35) and glorifies God by exalting the Son (Philippians 2:11). Practical Application for Modern Christians 1. Participate faithfully whenever the church gathers for the Supper. 2. Prepare through repentance and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). 3. Engage mind and heart—recall the cross, anticipate the crown. 4. Proclaim: invite unbelievers to observe and hear the gospel embodied. 5. Live the remembrance daily—carry the self-giving love of Christ into every sphere. Summary “Do this in remembrance of Me” commands ongoing, communal, Christ-centered remembrance that looks back to Calvary, unites believers in present grace, and points forward to the consummation of the kingdom. The ordinance is a perpetual, tangible proclamation of the gospel, instituted by the risen Lord for the life and witness of His church. |
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