Mark 14:22-26
This Is My Body
Read the passage
22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.”
23Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
25Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
26And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
At the Passover meal, Jesus takes bread, blesses and breaks it, and gives it to His disciples. He tells them to take it: this is His body. Then He gives thanks over the cup, gives it to them, and they all drink.
This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
Jesus explains His approaching death as a gift for others. He will not merely suffer an injustice that His friends must remember. His blood establishes the covenant relationship through which His people receive God's saving mercy.
His words bring earlier Scripture into view. At Sinai, Moses spoke of the blood of the covenant when blood was applied to the people. Isaiah described the servant pouring out His life unto death and bearing the sin of many. Jeremiah promised a new covenant that included forgiveness and God's law written on His people's hearts. Jesus' words at this meal point to what His death will accomplish.
He also looks beyond death. He will drink the fruit of the vine anew in God's kingdom. The road ahead includes the cross, but His promise reaches to fellowship in the kingdom. After singing a hymn, they go out to the Mount of Olives.
The Lord's Supper continues to direct believers to this sacrifice and hope. As Paul explains, it proclaims the Lord's death until He comes. We receive it with reverence and faith in Christ, grateful that His body and blood are given for sinners who could never provide their own rescue.
How We Know
First Corinthians 11:23–26 also records Jesus taking bread and the cup on the night He was betrayed and connecting them with His body and covenant blood. Paul says he passed on what he received. The accounts agree on the meal's central action and meaning while preserving differences in wording.
Questions
1 What does Jesus say about the bread and the cup?
AnswerHe identifies the bread as His body and the cup with His blood of the covenant, poured out for many. He directs the disciples to His coming sacrifice.
2 How does the language of covenant connect this meal with earlier Scripture?
AnswerMoses spoke of covenant blood at Sinai, and Jeremiah promised a new covenant including forgiveness. Jesus identifies His own blood with the saving relationship God establishes with His people.
3 What future does Jesus promise beyond His death?
AnswerHe will drink the fruit of the vine anew in God's kingdom. His death will not defeat the fellowship and joy He promises His people there.
4 Where should a believer look for confidence in God's forgiveness?
AnswerTo Christ and His sacrifice, received by faith. Taking part in a meal is not a substitute for trusting Him; His body given and blood poured out are our reason for hope.
What This Means for Us
When your church celebrates the Lord's Supper, give attention to what Jesus says about Himself. Bring your sin to Him honestly and remember that forgiveness rests on His sacrifice, not on how well you have performed that week. Follow your church's guidance about participating, and ask for help if you do not understand the meal.
At home, we can thank Him for that same mercy. Our hope is a Savior who gave Himself for us and promises fellowship in His kingdom. His gift deserves both gladness and reverence.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the covenant mercy secured through Your Son's death. Turn our trust toward His sacrifice when we are burdened by sin. Teach us to receive His gifts with faith and reverence, and to look forward to His kingdom. Amen.