What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:24? And when He had given thanks • Jesus begins the meal by giving thanks to the Father (1 Corinthians 11:24). – This models a heart of gratitude even in the shadow of the cross (Luke 22:19; Psalm 107:1). – Thanksgiving reminds believers that every good gift, including salvation, comes from God (James 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). • The Lord’s Supper therefore starts not with sorrow but with worshipful gratitude, setting the tone for how we approach the table. He broke it • The breaking of bread is deliberate and visible, picturing Christ’s body given up on Calvary (Matthew 26:26; Isaiah 53:5). – Though none of His bones were literally broken (John 19:36), His body was shattered by scourging and crucifixion for our sin (1 Peter 2:24). • The single loaf, once broken, becomes many pieces shared among the church, underscoring our unity in Him (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Acts 2:42). • Every time the bread is broken in communion, believers physically reenact the gospel: Christ suffered so we might be made whole (Hebrews 10:10). “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” • “This is My body” declares the bread a God-appointed symbol of Christ’s literal body sacrificed for sinners (John 6:51; Romans 5:8). – “For you” personalizes the atonement: Jesus died as a substitute on behalf of every believer (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • “Do this” makes the ordinance an ongoing command, not a one-time event (Acts 20:7). • “In remembrance of Me” establishes the purpose: to keep the finished work of Christ front-and-center in the church’s worship (Exodus 12:14; 1 Corinthians 11:26). – Remembering guards against empty ritual, stirs fresh faith, and proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes. summary 1 Corinthians 11:24 shows the Lord instituting a thankful, visible, and continual witness to His sacrificial death. We come to the table with gratitude, see in the broken bread His body given for us, and remember Him together until He returns. |
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