The Simple Gospel

Introduction: We Must Not Forget

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19, NASB). He spoke those words the night He was betrayed—knowing what was ahead, knowing who would desert Him, knowing the weight of the cross. He still asked to be remembered. Not out of pride or sentiment, but because He knew we’d need to remember. Because in remembering Him, we remember who we are.

God understands our tendency to forget. We forget birthdays and promises; we forget names and faces. Even the lessons we learn the hard way often fade with time. That’s why Scripture keeps telling us to remember. The writer of Ecclesiastes pleads, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NASB). Forgetfulness isn’t just a human trait—it’s a spiritual risk.

In our noisy, fast-paced world, it’s easy to drift. We get caught up in our routines, overwhelmed by our problems, or distracted by entertainment. But Jesus gently and firmly calls us back—to the table, to the cross, to Him. Remembering Him is not just an act of memory; it’s an act of worship. It’s not just looking back; it’s shaping how we move forward.

If we build monuments to unknown soldiers, how much more should we build daily moments to honor the One who died knowingly and lovingly for us all? Remembering Jesus changes us. It reminds us we’re not alone. It reorients our priorities. It rekindles our hope. It gives strength to our steps.

This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the foundation of our faith. It’s not emotion—it’s identity. To be a Christian is to be someone who carries Jesus in heart and action.

So let’s walk through why Jesus must remain at the center of our lives—and what it truly means to live in remembrance of Him.

I. Jesus Became Poor for Our Sake

Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NASB). He left the glory of heaven and entered our broken world. Born in a borrowed stable, laid in a manger, He chose the path of humility.

This wasn’t a loss of value—it was an act of love. He gave up status to lift us up. He took our shame so we could receive His mercy. The richness He offers is not money—it’s forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.

Philippians tells us Jesus “emptied Himself… humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7–8, NASB). When we remember Jesus, we remember the depth of His love and what it means to serve.

II. Jesus Left Us a Perfect Example

Jesus didn’t just talk—He lived what He taught. “For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21, NASB).

He showed us how to live with humility and courage. He spoke truth in love. He served the undeserving. He forgave those who wronged Him. From washing feet to carrying a cross, Jesus showed us how to walk in grace and truth.

Following Jesus isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. His life gives us a pattern to trust and a path to walk.

III. Jesus Died for Us

Paul once said, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NASB). That’s because everything starts at the cross. Peter reminds us, “Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18, NASB).

His death wasn’t a political failure or a random act of violence. It was the plan. He took our place, bore our sin, and paid our debt. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24, NASB).

Every prayer, every hope, every breath of faith traces back to the cross.

IV. Jesus Gave Us the Plan of Salvation

Jesus didn’t just offer salvation—He showed us how to receive it. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20, NASB).

The gospel is not vague or abstract. It is rooted in truth, anchored in history, and revealed in Scripture. Faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are not rituals—they are our response to God’s grace. And Jesus Himself is the foundation of that plan.

Because He followed through, so must we.

V. Jesus Invites All to Come

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NASB). These words are for everyone—the exhausted mom, the anxious student, the hardened skeptic.

This isn’t a one-time call. It’s a daily invitation. We come to Jesus for strength, for wisdom, for mercy. And we keep coming because only He can satisfy our deepest needs.

VI. Jesus Offers Us a Home in Heaven

“In My Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NASB). Heaven is not a fairy tale—it’s our future.

Jesus isn’t offering us a reward for being good. He’s welcoming us into the eternal presence of God. No more pain. No more tears. Just perfect peace and joy.

VII. Jesus Is Now Interceding for Us

He’s not distant. He’s not done. “He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25, NASB).

Right now, Jesus is interceding for us before the Father. When we feel unworthy, unsure, or burdened by our failures, we can take comfort knowing He represents us—not based on our perfection, but on His righteousness and sacrifice.

VIII. Jesus Sympathizes with Us

He’s not aloof. “We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses…” (Hebrews 4:15, NASB). Jesus gets it—pain, temptation, loss, loneliness.

He’s felt it. He’s carried it. And He’s with us through it.

IX. Jesus Is Coming Again

“This Jesus… will come in the same way as you have watched Him go” (Acts 1:11, NASB).

His return isn’t a rumor—it’s a promise. The world may scoff, but we watch and wait. Our King is coming.

X. When He Comes, All Will Be Raised

“All who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come out” (John 5:28–29, NASB).

Every grave will break open. Every soul will rise. This life is not all there is. And remembering Jesus means living ready for what’s next.

XI. He Will Judge Us All

“He has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22, NASB). Jesus is both Savior and Judge. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NASB).

One day we’ll stand before Him—not with excuses, but with truth. Let’s live like we believe that.

XII. He Will Reward the Faithful and Punish the Disobedient

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, NASB). “The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven… dealing out retribution…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8, NASB).

God is just. And He keeps His promises—both of comfort and consequence.

Conclusion: Never Forget Him

Jesus died for you. He lives for you. He’s coming back for you. Don’t forget Him.

“To forget Him is to forget who we are and why we exist.” The Bible says it simply: “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NASB).

So what does it mean to remember Jesus? It means thinking of Him when you’re tempted. Leaning on Him when you’re tired. Talking about Him when you’re asked. Living like Him when you’re tested.

It means treasuring His words, copying His ways, and longing for His return.

Let’s not wait for Sundays or suffering to remember Him. Let’s remember Him in every moment—and let that remembrance shape everything about us.

What you remember shapes who you become.

So remember Jesus—until you see Him face to face.