
The account from Exodus 12:12-14 describes what happened: After having been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, this represented the night that their tormentors were punished and the Israelites were freed from slavery according to God’s promise of restoration. The original Passover was a miraculous occurrence, and the pivotal event in the formation of God’s people as a nation. This meal was a part of the Jewish festival of Passover, which had been observed annually since Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. This verse takes place within the context of the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples. This occurrence is one of the most obvious of these, as Jesus fulfills the meaning of Passover. “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’” ( Luke 22:19-20).Įvents in the Old Testament often serve the dual purpose of fulfilling God’s promises to his people in the moment, while also providing a view of what is to come. The Origin of Remembrance and Its Fulfillment There is a deep and vibrant meaning to this instruction, and this remembrance continues to be a cornerstone of our faith. There are several places in Scripture where we are encouraged to remember, but the commandment from Jesus spoken on the night he was betrayed stands out from the rest. We remember that ours is an ancient faith, we remember the promises of God’s word, and as we do so our confidence is built in trusting God and living in his truth.

As believers we are encouraged and strengthened by remembering the faith and deeds of those who have gone before us. Remembrance is an important aspect of Christianity. Why do these words hold such a prominent position in our faith? I distinctly remember this and have seen it written out in some form in many churches since then. In the church where I grew up, in the front of the room, right below the pulpit was a table with the words “Do this in remembrance of me” inscribed.
