"In Remembrance"

“In remembrance” (Luke: 22:17–19). These words in Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist harken back to the Old Testament concept of Anamnesis. The word, translated “memorial,” or “remembrance,” indicated a festival or practice or object intended as a link for future generations with a distinctive act of God. More importantly, as there were a handful of Greek words that can describe a "remembrance" of something, anamnesis is the only word that refers exclusively to a sacrifice.

Through the anamnesis, God’s people sensed their personal participation, along with the original generation, in the act God performed for them. Therefore, the institution of the Eucharist, in observing it we are drawn back into history and realize that we truly were there at the Cross.

What Jesus did then echoes throughout history, as real today as in the 1st century, for we appropriate by faith all that Jesus accomplished in giving His body and blood for our sakes.

14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat itc until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989, S. Lk 22:14-19