The Need to Remember

Introduction

Forgetting comes naturally to mankind. From the beginning of history, God’s people have needed reminders to keep His works fresh in their minds. Joshua 4:19–24 records a powerful memorial moment. After Israel crossed the Jordan on dry land, God commanded Joshua to set up twelve stones at Gilgal. These stones served as a perpetual reminder so that future generations would ask, “What are these stones?” and hear the story of God’s mighty hand in delivering His people. Yet, in time, Israel forgot.

How much greater is the tragedy when men and women forget the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary? Knowing our tendency to forget, the Lord instituted the Supper as a memorial of His body and blood. In Luke 22:19–20, Jesus took bread and fruit of the vine, gave thanks, and said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Each Lord’s Day, we are called to remember.

What Are the Names of This Memorial?

The Lord’s Supper is called by several inspired names in Scripture. It is the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42), showing the simplicity and fellowship of the act. It is the communion (1 Corinthians 10:16), emphasizing our joint participation in Christ’s body and blood. It is the Lord’s table (1 Corinthians 10:21), a sacred feast belonging to Him. It is the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20), the meal He instituted. We must hold to these biblical names and avoid unscriptural titles such as Eucharist, sacrament, or mass.

What Are the Elements?

The elements are precisely defined by Scripture. The bread, as used by Jesus, was unleavened (Matthew 26:26), symbolizing purity and sincerity (1 Corinthians 5:6–8). The cup contains the fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:27–29), a pure, unleavened drink. Nowhere in Scripture is fermented wine used for the memorial; the “fruit of the vine” refers to what comes directly from the grapevine, uncorrupted and pure.

Who Should Partake?

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial for those who have been united with Christ in His death through baptism (Romans 6:3–5). Only those who have died with Him, been buried with Him, and raised with Him to new life have the privilege to remember Him at His table.

When Should the Lord’s Supper Be Observed?

God has always set specific times for His memorials. In the New Testament, the pattern is clear: the disciples came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). Every week has a first day, and we see this same day mentioned for giving (1 Corinthians 16:2). This shows the regularity of worship and the constancy of remembrance.

What to Remember While Partaking

When we partake, our minds should return to the cross. We remember that Christ’s body was given for us (1 Corinthians 11:24) and His blood was poured out for our sins (Luke 22:20). This is a communion—a shared moment when every Christian focuses on the same sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16). It is spiritual nourishment, but also a solemn responsibility. We must examine ourselves to avoid partaking in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27–30). Each observance is a living sermon, proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Conclusion

The Lord’s Supper is a precious gift—an opportunity to remember, proclaim, and anticipate. Each Sunday, we take part in the memorial that keeps Christ’s death alive in our hearts, strengthens our faith, and reminds us why our sins are forgiven.

The Need to Remember Sermon Outline:

• Introduction:

  • Forgetfulness is common in human history (Joshua 4:19–24)

  • The Lord’s Supper instituted to prevent spiritual forgetfulness (Luke 22:19–20)

• Names of the Memorial:

  • Breaking of bread – Acts 2:42

  • Communion – 1 Corinthians 10:16

  • Lord’s table – 1 Corinthians 10:21

  • Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:20

  • Reject unscriptural names (Eucharist, sacrament, mass)

• Elements of the Supper:

  • Bread – unleavened, symbolizing purity (Matthew 26:26; 1 Corinthians 5:6–8)

  • Fruit of the vine – unfermented, pure (Matthew 26:27–29)

• Who Should Partake:

  • Those baptized into Christ’s death and raised to new life (Romans 6:3–5)

• When to Observe:

  • First day of every week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)

• What to Remember While Partaking:

  • Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:24; Luke 22:20)

  • Shared communion (1 Corinthians 10:16)

  • Self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:27–30)

  • Proclamation of His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Call to Action

Every Sunday, the Lord calls us to His table. Do not approach casually or forgetfully. Prepare your mind before worship. Reflect on the cross, remember the cost of your salvation, and proclaim your faith in the risen Christ until He comes again.

Key Takeaways

• The Lord’s Supper is a God-given memorial to prevent spiritual forgetfulness (Luke 22:19–20)

• It has biblical names that teach its meaning (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21; 11:20)

• The elements—unleavened bread and fruit of the vine—symbolize purity and sacrifice (Matthew 26:26–29)

• Only baptized believers should partake (Romans 6:3–5)

• It must be observed on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)

• Participation requires self-examination and focus on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:27–30)

Scripture Reference List

• Joshua 4:19–24 – Memorial stones at Gilgal

• Luke 22:19–20 – Institution of the Lord’s Supper

• Acts 2:42 – Breaking of bread

• 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21 – Communion and Lord’s table

• 1 Corinthians 11:20, 24, 26–30 – Lord’s Supper, remembrance, proclamation, examination

• Matthew 26:26–29 – Bread and fruit of the vine

• 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 – Unleavened bread of sincerity and truth

• Romans 6:3–5 – Baptized into Christ’s death

• Acts 20:7 – First day observance

• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – First day pattern for giving

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO