Why is it when people come into an area, they build? In some cases, it’s for material gain. They build to establish a domination footprint, sell the building or to be able to sell things from that building. In other cases (e.g. monuments), they’re not built for sale or to sell from within. They’re built for remembrance.
That’s what the Church did during the time from 1130-1280 AD when the great medieval building boom occurred in Western Europe. Cities poured tremendous resources into huge churches built of stone as symbols of prestige, art, and display of wealth as well as for Christian affirmation. France led the pack with around 80 Gothic cathedrals in a 150-year span.
Monuments, on the other hand, trend more for remembrance, maybe celebrating events and honoring heroes…even today. The ancient Israelites named places to remember. They set stones, built cities, and by God’s command they honored established festivals.
Isn’t it interesting that when Jesus walked the earth, He didn’t command statues, stones, or churches? He wanted to be remembered through a meal.
Luke 22:. 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” 9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. […Jesus replied with instructions…] 13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Scripture doesn’t tell us what they prepared. We’re left to assume it was a full Passover meal with lamb, bitter herbs, bread and wine. But the truth is, we don’t know.
Luke 22:14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And 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 it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 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.”
There is no mention of lamb or bitter herbs, no name, no location, not even a record of the room memorialized. What endures? A meal. Words of institution. A command “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
In a day and age where churches are being burned, and monuments are toppled, shattered and strewn, isn’t it fitting that Jesus left us only with His command to remember Him with a meal?
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away