How does this verse connect with Jesus' Last Supper in the Gospels? The Verse in Focus • 1 Corinthians 11:24, part 1: “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said,” • part 2: “‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” Direct Links to the Upper Room • Matthew 26:26: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it…” • Mark 14:22: “Jesus took bread, said the blessing and broke it, and gave it to His disciples…” • Luke 22:19: “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it… ‘This is My body, given for you…’” Shared Actions and Words • Taking bread—same beginning in every account • Giving thanks—gratitude frames the moment • Breaking the bread—physical sign of His body about to be broken • Declaring “This is My body”—literal identification, not mere symbolism • Commanding remembrance—ongoing, intentional act for believers Remembrance: More Than Memory • The Greek anamnesis means an active re-presentation; each observance proclaims the Lord’s death (1 Colossians 11:26). • Luke adds “given for you,” underscoring substitution: His body in our place (cf. Isaiah 53:5). “My Body” — Substitutionary Gift • 2 Corinthians 5:21: He who knew no sin became sin for us. • 1 Peter 2:24: He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree. • The Last Supper prefigures the cross; Paul interprets it post-cross, but the substance is identical. Thanksgiving and Blessing • Eucharist comes from eucharisteō, “to give thanks.” • Gratitude roots the ordinance: we receive grace with thankful hearts (Colossians 3:15-17). The Call to Continual Practice • “Do this” is present imperative—ongoing, habitual. • Acts 2:42 shows the early church “breaking bread” regularly. • Until He comes (1 Colossians 11:26), the supper bridges His first and second advents. Unity Across the Testaments • Exodus 12: the Passover lamb points to Christ, “our Passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Jeremiah 31:31-34: the promised new covenant ratified in His blood (Luke 22:20). • From Passover to Last Supper to church practice, one redemptive thread runs unbroken. |
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