Reading the Word

Mark 14:22–25 (ESV)

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Parallel Texts: Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20

Understanding and Applying the Word

As Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples, he redefines the symbolism of the elements that were used in the meal. Passover was a time for Jews to look back and remember God’s deliverance and provision when he brought them out of slavery in Egypt. However, Jesus told his disciples that the bread and the wine were pictures of him. They represented his body and blood, which would be given for the salvation of all believers in just a few hours. Jesus was delivering mankind out of slavery to sin and into eternal life in the presence of God.

Each time we go to the communion table, we should be reminded of the truth found here. Jesus is the deliverer of his people. He willingly gave his life as a sacrifice and invites all to trust in him for forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life. Just as the Jewish people trusted in the blood of the lamb spread on the door posts in the time of the Exodus, we are called to trust in the blood of Jesus, the true Lamb of God, for our salvation. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!

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