Let Scripture Speak

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Sometimes tradition repeats something so long that we stop checking whether the verse actually says it.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard preachers quote Jesus as saying, “Do this often in remembrance of Me.”

There’s just one problem. Jesus never said “often.”

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19 NKJV)

Matthew and Mark don’t even mention Jesus saying, “in remembrance of Me.” (See Matthew 26:26-30 & Mark 14:14-23)

So why do many of us think Jesus said that?

Probably because of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

But even Paul does not quote Jesus as saying to do it often.

In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:25-26 NKJV)

Notice the difference. Jesus doesn’t say do this often; meaning break bread and drink wine together often. He says that as often as you break bread and drink wine, remember Me.

This tiny difference subtly shifts the emphasis from frequency to remembrance. That shift moves the emphasis away from regulating frequency and toward remembering Jesus and what He gave us through His broken body and shed blood. Jesus asked us to be reminded about His sacrifice, love, and grace every time we broke bread and lifted a cup.

Grace invites us to remember.

Legalism tends to regulate.

Grace invites us to set aside any ritual performances and rejoice in the One who is to be remembered.

Grace says, “remember Me.” Works says, “do this often.”

So, as often as you are gathered with your church family for communion, enjoying Passover’s fulfillment, or simply breaking bread with friends and loved ones, remember Him.

And, let Scripture speak before tradition translates it.

Copyright ©2026 Laurel Appel