The Last Supper Request
This Do In Remembrance of Me
 

by Larry C. Hamner

April 5, 2009

Honor My Death

It is important for us as followers of Jesus to never forget his 'Last Supper request': “and he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20 KJV) When Jesus made this request it was undoubtedly first to the disciples and, in turn to all future believers. Thus establishing his death on the cross as the one single event he wanted his followers to remember or commemorate. One would think the Christian Church would make a sincere and collaborative effort to fulfill any and every request of its founder and savior. However, what we see instead is an elevation and embracing of pagan rituals and traditions, such as Easter, Christmas and the likes thereof. Jesus made one simple request on the night before he died 'keep doing this in remembrance of me'. What exactly is it Jesus was requesting? Paul explains it as follows:

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”(1 Corinthians 11:26 KJV)

No exegetical or theological conundrum here just a simple statement by Paul: what we are doing saints and followers of Christ, is honoring the death of our Lord.


What about Easter?

Sorry Easter doesn't get the job done. It doesn't suffice. All biblical scholars of note agree that the term 'Easter' roots are in ancient polytheistic religions. The term is never used in the original Scriptures, nor is it ever associated biblically with the death or resurrection of Jesus. For these reasons, some Christian Churches are now using the term 'Resurrection Sunday' rather than 'Easter' when referring to what some are calling their annual resurrection celebration. To the consternation and chagrin of my Sabbatarian and Messianic brethren let me say that I have no problem with celebrating the resurrection. That being said, an annual resurrection celebration does not fulfill our Savior's last supper request. To paraphrase Jesus reproof of the Scribes, and Pharisees: 'you error in that you omitted the most important thing, and did that which is not as important even though it was good to do what you did, however, you should not have left the other undone'(Matthew 23:23). When did such a blatant act of contradiction and disregard for Christ's Last Supper request begin. History records the first glimpse of a Christian Easter in the second century and being solidified in the third century.

What about Weekly, Bi–Monthly or Monthly Communion?

It would seem that since Christians take Communion to remember Christ's death that it would be administered on the anniversary of his death. All other commemorative celebrations of note are celebrated on the yearly anniversary of the commemorated event. Why not the commemorative service for our Savior? I fine it strikingly odd that Christian churches routinely commemorate the death of Christ weekly, bi–monthly or monthly but celebrate his resurrection annually. I don' think it unreasonable to expect the two events to have some connection: Wouldn't you? Stop hiding behind the thin veil of; he didn't tell us how often to do it. Why ignore Christ's 'Last Supper Request' in lieu of your traditions? Don't you think its befitting that Christians honor the request of Jesus and mark the anniversary of his death? I do! And so did the Apostles and the early Church!

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