THANK GOD WE FULLY UNDERSTAND, “DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME”

At the Last Supper, the disciples could not yet grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words. Today, Christians remember his sacrifice through the Lord’s Supper with gratitude for the forgiveness his blood provides.

By Lonetta McKee

September 30, 2026·2 min read

In brief

Remembering Jesus at the Lord’s Supper

Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during his final Passover meal with the disciples, even though they did not yet understand what was about to happen. Today, Christians can approach Communion with a fuller understanding of his suffering, sacrifice, and the forgiveness made possible through his blood.

Jesus gave new meaning to the bread and cup during his final Passover meal.
The disciples did not yet comprehend Jesus’ approaching death or the significance of his words.
The Lord’s Supper allows Christians to remember his sacrifice with gratitude and assurance of forgiveness.

Our thoughts today focus on Jesus and the disciples as they observed their last Passover meal together which today we call the Last Supper. Matthew 26:26-27 says, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins’” (New International Version).

The Disciples Did Not Yet Understand

Think for a moment about what it might have been like to be in that room. Imagine the disciples’ consternation when Jesus suddenly interrupted the meal, ordaining an observance of an event that had not yet taken place. Luke describes their failure to even comprehend that the death of Jesus was imminent. He had taken the twelve aside and related to them the events that would lead up to his death. But chapter 18, verse 34 says, “The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.”

So with their lack of understanding, it would have been impossible for them to fully fathom the depth of meaning of the words he uttered in the middle of the Passover meal or to grasp their vital significance. In addition, little did they know that when, as we read in Luke 22:19, he instructed them to “do this in remembrance of me” he was establishing the permanency of this commemoration. He was laying the foundation for the observance of his death for all future Christians.

Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice

What a blessing that today when we partake of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of our Savior’s death, we can fully appreciate the sacrament. We have recorded for us in Scripture how the Lord agonized in Gethsemane; how he was tortured; how all of those present at that Passover meal betrayed, denied, and deserted him except for John. We are fully aware of Jesus’ suffering and horrific death on the cross. In deep gratitude we have assurance that we experience forgiveness of our sins because Jesus’ blood was poured out for every one of us.