What does "do this, as often as you drink it" instruct us? Setting the Scene “In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” (1 Corinthians 11:25) Breaking Down the Phrase • do this – an instruction to take the cup, just as the Lord took it. • as often – an open-ended call to repetition, not a one-time ritual. • as you drink it – the act itself (drinking) remains central. • in remembrance of Me – the purpose that governs the act. Frequency Without Formalism • The text gives no calendar: annual, monthly, weekly, or daily. • Acts 2:42 shows early believers “devoted themselves… to the breaking of bread,” indicating regularity. • Acts 20:7 notes gathering “on the first day of the week,” showing flexibility yet consistency. • Whatever the local pattern, the mandate is clear: keep coming back to the table. A Continual Memorial • Luke 22:19 records Jesus’ parallel command at the bread: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” • Each observance looks back to the cross—His body given, His blood poured out. • The Lord’s Supper is a tangible reminder, protecting hearts from drifting into forgetfulness. A Proclamation Until He Comes • 1 Corinthians 11:26: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” • Every cup lifted states two truths: Christ has died; Christ will return. • The table links Calvary to the Second Coming, anchoring hope in history and in future glory. Drawing the Whole Body Together • 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 highlights corporate unity: “Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body.” • Regular participation fosters shared identity and mutual care. • Neglect of the Supper weakens both memory and fellowship. Personal Examination and Response • 1 Corinthians 11:28 instructs, “Let a man examine himself, and in so doing let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” • The ongoing call to the table is also an ongoing call to repentance and faith. Reverent Joy in Regularity • The cup proclaims the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) now ratified in Christ’s blood. • Hebrews 9:22 teaches, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Thus, each time believers drink, they celebrate full forgiveness, restored fellowship, and covenant assurance. Putting It All Together “Do this, as often as you drink it” instructs believers to return repeatedly and reverently to the Lord’s Table, remembering Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, proclaiming His death, anticipating His return, nurturing unity, and renewing personal devotion—until He comes. |
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