An Appointed Obedience

Jesus appointed two ordinances for us to keep after he returned to the Father. Before he ascended, he included baptism in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) for identifying with himself, the Father, and the Spirit. Earlier, on the eve of his death, he instituted this “supper,” communion, the eucharist, as we variously term it. Both ordinances have ties to his death, the focal point and destiny of his ministry.

Among its many aspects, this ordinance carries with it an element of worship. It recognizes the greatness of the One we remember in it. It reminds us of the “last measure of devotion” expressed in self-sacrifice. It triggers in us the virtues that replace the sins his self-giving removes from our record.