Meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:24

This verse, spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, marks the institution of the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or the Eucharist), a central sacrament for Christians. The act of giving thanks (eucharistia in Greek) before breaking the bread signifies consecration and gratitude, acknowledging God's provision and the significance of the moment. By stating, "This is my body," Jesus is not presenting a literal, physical transformation of the bread into his flesh, but rather a symbolic representation of his body, which is about to be broken – that is, sacrificed – for the forgiveness of sins. The command, "do this in remembrance of me," establishes a perpetual ordinance for believers, a ritual act intended to call to mind Jesus' sacrificial love, his atoning death, and the new covenant established through him.

Context and Background

The Last Supper, described in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20) and alluded to by Paul here in 1 Corinthians, took place on the eve of Jesus' crucifixion. It was a Passover meal, a Jewish feast commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus, aware of his impending death, repurposed elements of the Passover meal to signify a new reality – his own sacrifice as the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, which was experiencing divisions and misinterpretations of the Lord's Supper, as evidenced in the preceding verses (1 Corinthians 11:17-22). His instruction aims to correct their practice and underscore the sacredness of the ordinance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Sacrifice and Atonement: The breaking of the bread directly points to the physical suffering and death of Jesus, whose body was broken on the cross. This act symbolizes his substitutionary atonement, where he takes the penalty for humanity's sins.
• Remembrance and Memorial: The command to "do this in remembrance of me" emphasizes the memorial aspect of the Supper. It is a call to actively recall Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and their implications for believers.
• The New Covenant: Jesus' blood, symbolized by the cup (mentioned in the following verse, 1 Corinthians 11:25), seals a new covenant between God and humanity, replacing the old covenant established through the Law. This new covenant offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with God through Christ's sacrifice.
• Unity in Christ: While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the context of the Lord's Supper throughout Scripture emphasizes unity among believers who share in this meal, signifying their shared participation in Christ's body and blood.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The Lord's Supper is a profound spiritual act that nourishes the believer's faith and strengthens their connection to Christ. It serves as a tangible reminder of God's immense love and the redemptive work accomplished on the cross. For believers, participating in the Supper is an act of obedience, faith, and fellowship. It is a time to reflect on their sin, to receive forgiveness, and to recommit themselves to following Christ. It also serves as a prophetic declaration, proclaiming Jesus' death until he returns.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a pivotal point in the biblical narrative, bridging the Old Testament's sacrificial system with the New Testament's fulfillment in Christ. The Passover lamb, a symbol of sacrifice in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate antitype in Jesus, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). The institution of the Lord's Supper establishes a new foundational ordinance for the church, superseding the Old Covenant rituals and pointing forward to the eschatological banquet in heaven. It is a tangible expression of the Gospel message of salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Analogies

One analogy for "This is my body" is a wedding ring. A wedding ring is not the person of the spouse, but it represents the spouse and the covenant of marriage. When someone looks at the ring, they are reminded of their spouse and their commitment. Similarly, the bread is not Jesus' literal body, but it represents his body, broken for us, and the covenant of love and salvation he offers. Another analogy could be a flag representing a nation. The flag is not the nation itself, but it stands for the nation, its people, and its ideals. When we see the flag, we are reminded of the nation.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 6:53-56: Jesus speaks about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, which is often interpreted in relation to the Lord's Supper. While his words there are also symbolic and speak of spiritual nourishment through faith in him, they highlight the profound connection between believers and Christ's sacrifice.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17: Paul directly links the cup and the bread to fellowship with Christ's blood and body, and to the unity of believers as one body in Christ.
• Hebrews 9:22: This verse states that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," underscoring the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death, which the Lord's Supper memorializes.
• Luke 22:19-20: The parallel accounts in Luke provide a similar account of the institution, emphasizing both the remembrance and the new covenant.