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). |