What Is the Purpose of the Sacrament?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Exodus 7-13 and a lesson titled “Remember this Day, in Which Ye Came Out from Egypt.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

Plague after plague afflicted Egypt, but Pharaoh still refused to release the Israelites. And yet God continued to demonstrate His power and give Pharaoh opportunities to accept “that I am the Lord” and “there is none like me in all the earth” (Exodus 7:5; 9:14).

Meanwhile, Moses and the Israelites must have watched with awe at these manifestations of God’s power on their behalf. Surely these continued signs confirmed their faith in God and strengthened their willingness to follow God’s prophet. Then, after nine terrible plagues had failed to free the Israelites, it was the tenth plague – the death of the firstborn, including Pharaoh’s firstborn – that finally ended the captivity. This seems fitting because in every case of spiritual captivity, there truly is only one way to escape. It is only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Firstborn – the blood of the Lamb without blemish – that will save us.

The principles taught in this scriptures block include (1) I can choose to soften my heart (Exodus 7-11); (2) Jesus Christ can save me because of His Atonement (Exodus 12:1-42); (3) The sacrament helps me remember my deliverance through Jesus Christ (Exodus 12:14-17, 24-27; 13:1-16).

This essay will discuss principle #3 about the sacrament. This is obviously the Easter lesson, which is scheduled a week late due to General Conference being held on Easter Sunday. However, it is a good lesson for us to remember all year long.

Jehovah commanded the Israelites to observe the Passover each year to help them remember He had delivered them, even after their captivity became a distant memory. He wanted them to teach their children and children’s children about the Passover to remember “throughout your generations” (see Exodus 12:14, 26-27).

After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His atoning sacrifice. The sacrament is an ordinance in which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through this ordinance, Church members renew the covenants they made with God when they were baptized. Here is a video titled “Always Remember Him” that teaches the importance of the sacrament. 

Each Sunday when we partake of the bread and water, we should do so in remembrance of the Savior’s Atonement – His time in the Garden of Gethsemane, His trials, His Crucifixion, and His Resurrection.

As you participate in the sacramental services tomorrow, think of the things that you do to “always remember” Jesus Christ (Moroni 4:3; 5:2). Think of ways that you can preserve that remembrance “throughout your generations” (see Exodus 12:14, 26-27).