Remembering Jesus

by Micky Galloway

In I Corinthians 11:23-25 the apostle Paul said, “For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink (it), in remembrance of me.” We often read this passage when we are preparing to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus was the greatest person who ever lived. Everything about him was great: His person, work, influence, etc. More books have been written, songs sung and discourses given regarding Jesus than all other men combined. To remember Jesus is the most important responsibility of life.

The tragedy of forgetting God is suggested in Jeremiah 18:15, “For my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to false (gods); and they have been made to stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths, in a way not cast up.” In Hosea 4:6 the prophet said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge I also will reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou has forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (cf Judges 2:10). A continual consciousness of Jesus is necessary to successful living as a Christian. Happiness and peace of mind are impossible without it.

In the past God impressed upon His people the importance of remembering Him. At the crossing of the Jordan the memorial stones were erected (Joshua 4:l-7). The feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) reminded Israel of God’s goodness (cf Exodus 12:24, 40-42).

Perhaps we don't remember Jesus because we fail to consider ourselves guilty of sin (cf Romans 3:23; I John 1:8-10). Christ was sent to save sinners. “For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). “Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief” (I Timothy 1:15). Through Him I do not have to be lost!

What about Jesus should I remember?

I must remember the life that He lived! His life was a perfect life. Pilate said, “I find no crime in Him” (John 18:38; John 19:4-6; cf I Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26). He was made perfect through suffering. “For it became Him … to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10). He was made perfect through obedience. “Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). He was tried in all points like we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:16-18; 4:14-16). His perfect life is my example (I Peter 2:21). My life can be like His only when he lives in me! Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; and the life that I now live, I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). It will make a difference in your life. Again, Paul said, “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20). Do you remember the life of Christ? Does it have any appeal to you?

I must remember the death that He died! Jesus died the most cruel and inhuman death of that time … the death of the cross. Think and remember what happened to him before the cross. He was scourged by Pilate. “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him” (John 19:1). He was beaten with a multiple pronged instrument. The cruel cross was placed on His back of raw flesh to be carried. His was a death of suffering. Some deaths are easy and quick, but not crucifixion. His was a death of humiliation. The trials were mocking including scourging, a crown of thorns and spit. He was crucified between two robbers (cf Acts 8:33; Isaiah 53). His death was a death for others (cf Isaiah 53:4ff; Romans 5:8). Do you remember the suf-ferings and death of Jesus? Does it have any appeal to you?

I must remember that He is raised from the dead! This is the crowning proof of His claim to be the Son of God. “Who was declared (to be) the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; (even) Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4). Indeed, the angels declared, “He is not here ; for he is risen, even as he said” (Matthew 28:6). This becomes our hope and assurance that we too, shall be raised from the dead (cf I Corinthians 15:12-19; Acts 17:31). Does the hope of the resurrection, because He was raised, have any appeal to you?

I must remember the promises that He has made! They are exceedingly great and precious promises (II Peter 1:4). He has promised the forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:26ff; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Hebrews 8:12). He has promised to be with us (Matthew 18:20; cf Hebrews 13:5). This is important in times of temptation and times of loneliness and fear. He has promised to come again (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11). His coming may be at any time (Matthew 24:36-39, 44). “Be patient therefore, brethren unto the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7-8). He has also promised us eternal life (Revelation 2:10; II Timothy 4:6-8). This promise is made only to those who are “in Christ.” “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (II Timothy 2:10). Do you remember the promises of Jesus? Do these have any appeal to you?

Let us do our best to forget the unimportant things of life and remember … The life Jesus lived, the death that He died, that He was raised victoriously, and the promises that He has made. Remembering these great truths will keep us close to Him, and prepare us for life with Him in eternity.