We Remember – April 16, 2025
Read: Luke 22:7-20
“. . . Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:19
We Remember
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history. Over 600,000 American soldiers died. After the war, families and friends who were sad and missed their loved ones would often decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers with flowers.
In 1868, a group of soldiers called the Grand Army of the Republic decided to make May 30th a special day called “Decoration Day,” where they decorated the graves of soldiers with beautiful spring flowers.
In 1882, this day was renamed “Memorial Day.” In 1967, it became an official holiday. Memorial Day is a day to remember—a day to honor those who died to give us freedom.
We honor their memory by decorating their graves. We honor their memory by being thankful for the freedom they fought for. We honor their memory by remembering what they did for us.
This week, we remember another sacrifice. Just like Memorial Day, Holy Week is a time to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. Holy Week is a time to remember how Jesus died to set us free from our sins.
On the night before Jesus died, he shared one last meal with his disciples. He gave them bread and said, “This is my body.” Then he gave them wine and said, “This is my blood.”
We call that Holy Communion. In Holy Communion, Jesus gives us his body and blood with the bread and wine in a special way to help us remember what he did for us.
Jesus died so that we could live forever with him in heaven. He died because death was the punishment we deserved for all the bad things we do. He died because he loves us so much.
Just like Memorial Day, Holy Communion is a Memorial Meal. When you see your parents and other adults receive Holy Communion at church—and when you receive it one day—take the time to remember.
Remember what Jesus did for you on the cross. Remember his sacrifice. Remember everything he gave up for you.
Remember how he died so that you could live.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to never forget your amazing sacrifice for me. Amen
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- We have many symbols and pictures in church to help us remember. What should you remember every time you see a cross?
- Many Christians memorize verses from the Bible (like John 3:16). Why would it be good for you to memorize Bible verses like that?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What other things can you do to help you remember what Jesus did for you?
- Just like the soldiers who died fighting for our freedoms, Jesus died to set us free. From what did Jesus set us free?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- A traditional name for Holy Communion is “Eucharist,” which literally means “thanksgiving.” What does that name remind us to do as we remember what Jesus did for us this week?
- When Americans today celebrate Memorial Day, they often get distracted by picnics, hot dogs, and family get-togethers, to the point that they don’t remember what the day is all about. When we take Holy Communion at church, what similar temptation is there for us?
