1 Corinthians 11:24 – “and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse records Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, where He established the Lord’s Supper as a lasting practice for His followers. Paul is quoting what Jesus said when He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples.

The phrase “when he had given thanks” reminds us that Jesus, even knowing He was about to suffer, took a moment to express gratitude to the Father. This shows His deep trust in God’s plan and sets an example for believers to approach communion with a heart of thankfulness.

The act of breaking the bread is symbolic. Just as bread is torn apart to be shared, Jesus’ body would soon be broken on the cross for the salvation of many. The words “This is my body, which is for you” emphasize that His sacrifice was personal—it was given for the sake of His followers.

Finally, Jesus commands, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The Lord’s Supper is not just a ritual or a religious tradition. It is a time for believers to intentionally remember Christ’s suffering, death, and the price He paid for their salvation. This verse teaches that communion is not just about looking back—it is about continuously remembering and living in light of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Historical Context

The Lord’s Supper took place during the Jewish Passover meal, a significant event in Israel’s history. Passover commemorated God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt (Exodus 12:1-30). At the heart of the Passover was the sacrificial lamb, whose blood protected the Israelites from judgment.

Jesus transformed the meaning of this meal. Instead of focusing on Israel’s past deliverance, He pointed to a new deliverance—one that would come through His own body and blood.

The early Christians followed this practice, regularly gathering to break bread in remembrance of Christ (Acts 2:42). However, by the time Paul wrote to the Corinthians, some had turned the Lord’s Supper into a selfish feast, forgetting its true purpose. Paul’s reminder here brings them back to the original meaning of communion—to remember and honor Jesus’ sacrifice.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Death Was for Our Benefit – The phrase “which is for you” makes it clear that Jesus gave His body willingly for the sake of His followers.
2. The Lord’s Supper Is a Command, Not an Option – Jesus says, “Do this,” instructing believers to observe communion regularly as an act of remembrance.
3. Communion Is an Act of Worship – It is not just a meal; it is a sacred practice that should be approached with reverence.
4. Remembering Christ Deepens Our Faith – When believers reflect on what Jesus did, it strengthens their understanding of His love, grace, and the cost of salvation.

This verse teaches that communion is more than a religious tradition—it is a time of deep spiritual reflection and connection with Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording follows a simple but powerful pattern:

• “When he had given thanks” – Emphasizing Jesus’ gratitude even in suffering.
• “He broke it” – A vivid image of His body being broken for sin.
• “This is my body, which is for you” – A deeply personal statement of sacrifice.
• “Do this in remembrance of me” – A direct command to keep communion as a sacred act of worship.

The phrase “for you” is particularly meaningful. It makes Jesus’ sacrifice personal—He did not die for a vague or impersonal cause. He gave Himself specifically for those who believe in Him.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 22:19 – The Gospel account of Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper.
• Isaiah 53:5 – The prophecy that Jesus would be pierced and crushed for our sins.
• John 6:35 – Jesus describes Himself as the “bread of life.”
• Matthew 20:28 – Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many.
• Romans 5:8 – God’s love is demonstrated in Christ dying for us while we were still sinners.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a reminder that communion is a serious and meaningful act of worship. It is a time to:

• Reflect on the immense sacrifice Jesus made.
• Approach the Lord’s Supper with a thankful and humble heart.
• Recognize that salvation is personal—Jesus gave His body “for you.”
• Examine one’s heart and make sure to take communion with the right attitude (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Many churches observe communion regularly, but it is easy to go through the motions without truly remembering Christ’s sacrifice. This verse calls believers to make the Lord’s Supper a time of sincere worship, gratitude, and personal reflection.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen clearly in this verse. The fact that Jesus willingly gave His body shows the depth of God’s love for humanity. He did not hold back or seek to avoid suffering—He embraced it so that people could be saved.

This verse also shows that God does not want believers to forget what He has done. He instructs them to remember, not because He needs recognition, but because remembering strengthens faith. When believers recall Christ’s sacrifice, they are reminded of God’s incredible love, mercy, and grace.

God’s love is not distant or abstract—it is personal. Jesus gave Himself “for you,” proving that God’s love reaches each and every person who trusts in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse, as it directly quotes His words at the Last Supper.

• John 10:11 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep.
• Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross.
• Hebrews 10:10 – Believers are made holy through the offering of Jesus’ body.
• Ephesians 5:2 – Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.

When believers take communion, they are not only looking back at Jesus’ sacrifice but also reaffirming their trust in Him as Savior. This verse calls every Christian to remember Jesus’ broken body and to live in gratitude for what He has done.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How often do you take time to truly reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice?
2. Do you approach communion with the reverence and gratitude it deserves?
3. What does it mean to you that Jesus’ body was given “for you”?
4. How can remembering Christ’s sacrifice impact the way you live daily?
5. In what ways can you ensure that communion remains a meaningful part of your worship?

The Lord’s Supper is a time to remember, reflect, and refocus on Jesus. Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians calls every believer to treat communion with the honor and gratitude it deserves. Jesus willingly gave His body—believers must never take that sacrifice lightly.