A Person To Remember

Sermon from afternoon of 4th January 2026

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Listen Below:

A Person to Remember

25:59

Here is a summary of the sermon:

A Person to Remember 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Christian faith calls us not only to believe certain truths, but to remember a particular person. Scripture urges us to remember Jesus Christ, and especially to remember him in his death. In a world filled with distraction and noise, forgetfulness comes easily. Yet at the Lord’s Supper, Christ himself draws our attention back to him, inviting us to remember who he is and what he has done.

1.     This is my body broken for you

The words spoken at the Last Supper bring us face to face with the heart of the gospel. When Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, the action was deliberate. As the bread was broken, so his body would soon be broken on the cross.

Nothing about the crucifixion was accidental or forced. Jesus went willingly. He himself said, “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38). His obedience to the Father was complete and perfect, even when that obedience led him to suffering and death. Yet he was motivated not only by obedience. Love compelled him as well. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Like a ship can be propelled by wind and tide, so Jesus was propelled towards the cross from obedience and love.

When Jesus says, “This is my body, which is for you,” the words are deeply personal. He did not merely give his teachings, though they are very valuable. He gave himself. Shame, pain and death were all embraced willingly – he did not hold back, but gave his very self so that those who trust in him might live.

2.     This is the New Covenant in my blood

Jesus then took the cup and declared that it represented the new covenant in his blood. With these words, he announced that God’s saving promises would confirmed and sealed in his blood. The New Covenant would be established through sacrifice. As Scripture teaches, forgiveness requires blood to be shed (Hebrews 9:18–22).

Jesus knew that his death was necessary. He had to die so that sins might be forgiven and the covenant fully confirmed. He came to establish this covenant by offering himself in obedience to the Father’s will (Hebrews 10:9). His blood was poured out under God’s righteous judgment, securing salvation for his people once and for all.

Because his blood has been shed, the covenant is certain and unbreakable. In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus reassures his people that they are forgiven, redeemed, and welcomed into God’s family. Though fears may arise, and though the world and the Devil may oppose them, believers belong to Christ – he has paid the full price for their salvation.

3.     Do this in remembrance of me

Finally, Jesus gives a simple but profound command: “Do this in remembrance of me.” This remembrance includes recalling all that we receive through him – forgiveness, peace with God, and new life. But it is also a call simply to remember him in love, gratitude, and reverence.

We are warned how easily fallen human attention drifts. Peter denied his Saviour three times (Matthew 26:69-75); Demas, in love with this present world, fell away (2 Timothy 4:10). Instead of allowing worldly concerns to dominate our thoughts, we are called to look steadily to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2). Communion is a gracious provision from God, helping us to recall Christ and his sacrifice.

We remember him until he comes again. Until faith gives way to sight, we are called to remember – and in remembering, to worship.