What does "Take it; My body" signify?
What does "Take it; this is My body" reveal about Jesus' sacrifice?

Setting the Upper-Room Scene

Mark 14:22: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Take it; this is My body.’”


Key Observations from the Phrase

• “Take” – an invitation to receive, not merely observe.

• “It” – specific, tangible bread in His hand.

• “This is My body” – a declarative statement linking the bread to His own physical self.


What the Words Reveal about Jesus’ Sacrifice

• Literal self-giving

– Jesus identifies the bread with His physical body, underscoring that His actual flesh will be offered (Hebrews 10:5-10).

– The sacrifice is not symbolic in intent; it is the true, historical giving of His body on the cross (John 19:30-36).

• Voluntary substitution

– “Take” shows He hands Himself over willingly; no one forces Him (John 10:17-18).

Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions … by His wounds we are healed.”

• Fulfillment of Passover imagery

– At Passover, a spotless lamb was slain for deliverance (Exodus 12:3-13).

– Jesus now presents Himself as the once-for-all Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

• Establishment of the New Covenant

– His body and upcoming shed blood inaugurate the covenant foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-34, granting forgiveness and new hearts (Luke 22:19-20).

• Union with believers

– By eating, the disciples participate in His life and sacrifice (John 6:53-56).

1 Corinthians 10:16: “Is not the bread we break a participation in the body of Christ?”

• Assurance of completed redemption

– Bread broken before the cross anticipates the breaking of His body; the resurrection will confirm its saving power (Romans 4:25).


Supporting Scriptures

John 1:14 – the Word became flesh.

1 Peter 2:24 – He bore our sins in His body on the tree.

Hebrews 9:26 – He appeared once for all to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Revelation 5:9 – “You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe…”


Practical Takeaways for Today

• Receive His sacrifice personally—“Take.”

• Remember His literal, historical death whenever you break bread (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

• Rest in the sufficiency of His finished work; no additional offering is needed (Hebrews 10:14).

• Live in daily gratitude and obedience, reflecting that His body was given for you (Romans 12:1).

How does Mark 14:22 illustrate the significance of the Lord's Supper today?
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