What are the moments, who are the people that you like to remember?
We throw parties to celebrate the day people are born. We have national holidays to commemorate great moments and people from history. We post photos of our life on Facebook to let our friends in on the moments we want to remember.
In Discovery Village this week, we learn about a moment in Jesus’ life that he wanted all of us to remember.
Every year, the Jews celebrated Passover. This was a way they could remember back to the time when God used Moses to rescue them from slavery in Egypt. They had a big meal together filled with music, storytelling, and prayer. Passover was always one of the biggest celebrations of the year! Little did Jesus’ disciples know that this would be a passover they’d never forget.
The disciples had chosen a room for their Passover dinner. As they arrived, Jesus greeted them. They sat down at the table and suddenly they noticed that this was not a regular Passover celebration. Jesus got down on this knees and began washing their feet. This wasn’t washing just smelly feet stuck in socks and shoes all day. These were DIRTY FEET that had walked in sandals through the dirty streets of Jerusalem. Who know what was was squishing through their toes.
And there was Jesus, their teacher, doing the job of a servant. They were amazed. Peter protested, but Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
Basically, Jesus was saying. Look, you need to realize that I’m the only one who can truly wash you clean from all the sin and brokenness of this life. I need to rescue you.
Jesus then gave them instructions about how to remember him and the rescue he was about to accomplish.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table… After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. 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)
Did you catch what Jesus said? He said remember me, remember how I will die for you, remember how I served you.
Our bottom line this week is this: “Take time to remember that God loves you.”
When people who follow Jesus take communion, they remember that God loved them so much that he sent his only son Jesus to die and take away the sin that makes it impossible for us to be with him. They also take time to thank God for the gift of life that lasts forever.
We can also remember what Jesus did by serving and helping others, just like he served and helped his disciples. When you serve others, you help them feel as important as Jesus makes you feel when you think about what he did just for you.
God loves us so very much. Honestly, everyone should know how much God loves them. At the beginning of our story, Jesus did something for his disciples; he washed their feet. We can remember how much God love us by showing that same love to others.
God’s love is deep and wide. His love is worth remembering for a lifetime. Let us never forget the price Jesus paid on the cross for our sins.
