What were you thinking about 15 minutes ago?
Review
As discussed a couple of weeks ago, the purpose of ordinances is to see God and live - to enter His presence and remain there. Furthermore, ordinances are symbolic and tied to duties. When we participate in those symbolic rituals, we ought to think of what they stand for as well as what our duties are in connection to that ordinance.
The Sacrament Ordinance
Read Matthew 26:26-28
- What do you think of this re-enactment of the Last Supper?
- How does it differ from your experience in Sacrament Meeting?
The Last Supper was intimate and personal. It seems to have been more like a quiet dinner party than a formal, solemn ordinance.
What do you think the disciples were thinking when Jesus began to wash their feet and feed them?
I think it would have been a bit awkward to have Jesus or anyone wash my feet. But to have him break bread and share his wine with me, not so much.
A Service to Others, Who Desire to Serve Others (or Reciprocity)
Jesus served his disciples, by washing their feet and feeding them. It was a an intimate act of service. He would later bleed from every pore of his body, be beaten and whipped by soldiers, be forced to carry this cross he would be crucified on and he would later suffer and die. He carried out the greatest act of service for his friends and for us.
In return, he asked that we love one another as he has loved us.
In July 2017, I was admitted to the hospital for an important heart procedure. After the procedure was completed, my dear wife was there to greet me and then remained with me in the hospital while I recovered. She helped me with a lot of things I could not do on my own. This was just a minor example of how she did something uniquely special to me. For this act of love, along with many other acts of love and kindness from her, I have this strong urge to return the favors and to serve her.
This desire to serve in return is backed by science. In the world of persuasion science, this is called reciprocity.
An example (source):
Three groups of waiters were given different instructions.
The second group had waiters bring out two mints by hand, and they mentioned them to the table ("Would anyone like some mints before they leave?"). Tips increased by 14% against the control group.
The last group had waiters bring out the check first along with a few mints. A short time afterward, the waiter came back with another set of mints, and let customers know that they had brought out more mints, in case they wanted another.
This last test was where waiters saw a 21% increase in tips versus the control group.
At first glance, the last two groups seem very similar: two mints per-person were brought out, and the waiter mentioned them.
So, what was different?
The difference was personalization - making the service intimate or unique.
How does this apply to the Atonement and the Sacrament? Since Jesus is not here to actually serve us, we are left to our own devices to make the Sacrament meaningful for us. Often, to make the Sacrament personal, meditation and contemplation are required. We cannot thoughtlessly approach the Sacrament and expect to get anything out of it. Rather, we need to make an effort to be there in the same room as Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper; we need to visit the Garden of Gethsemane; we need to see Christ hang on the cross and bleed for us.
As we make it personal, we begin to have a desire to love Jesus and in turn, have greater love for others.
Ideas to Help Make the Sacrament More Personal
- examine thyself! (1 Corinthians 11:28)
how did you do in serving others in the prior week?
how have you improved at living a more virtuous life?
what will you do differently this next week?
consider keeping a journal to mark your progress each week
- think of Jesus' sacrifice during the Sacrament
listen to the hymn, read the words again
meditate and try to place yourself at the feet of Jesus
recite scripture (i.e. Mosiah 14)
- study the meaning of a broken heart and contrite spirit
read this blog post
Closing Activity
We started off the class with "what were you thinking about 15 minutes ago?" and we see your answers here on the board. What will you think about next week when you partake of the Sacrament?
