1 Corinthians 11:25 – “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Paul is quoting the words of Jesus from the Last Supper, where He established the Lord’s Supper as a lasting practice for His followers. Just as Jesus had taken the bread to symbolize His body in the previous verse, here He takes the cup to represent His blood.

The phrase “In the same way, after supper” shows that this act followed the breaking of the bread. The cup Jesus held was likely one of the several cups of wine used in the Passover meal. But now, Jesus was giving it a new and deeper meaning.

When Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” He is making a powerful declaration. A covenant is a binding agreement, and in the Old Testament, covenants were often sealed with blood. The old covenant was the one God made with Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:8), which was based on the Law. The new covenant that Jesus speaks of is different—it is not based on keeping the Law, but on His own sacrifice. His blood, shed on the cross, would establish a new way for people to be made right with God.

Jesus then commands, “Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” This means that every time believers participate in the Lord’s Supper, they are to intentionally remember His sacrifice. Communion is not just a religious ritual; it is a time of deep reflection on what Jesus has done and a proclamation of His saving work.

Historical Context

The idea of a covenant was central in Jewish life. The old covenant was established when God gave the Law to Israel through Moses. It required the people to follow God’s commands, and it was sealed with the blood of sacrificed animals (Exodus 24:3-8). However, the people repeatedly broke this covenant, showing that they could not keep the Law perfectly.

The prophets foretold a time when God would establish a new covenant:

• Jeremiah 31:31-34 – God promises a new covenant, where He will write His law on people’s hearts and forgive their sins.
• Ezekiel 36:26-27 – God promises to give His people a new heart and put His Spirit in them.

At the Last Supper, Jesus declared that this new covenant had come. Unlike the old covenant, which was based on obedience to the Law, the new covenant is based on Jesus’ blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.

In the early church, the Lord’s Supper became a central act of worship (Acts 2:42). However, by the time Paul wrote to the Corinthians, they had lost sight of its true meaning, turning it into a selfish feast instead of a sacred remembrance. Paul reminds them (and all believers) that communion is about remembering Christ’s sacrifice, not indulging in food and drink.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Blood Establishes the New Covenant – His sacrifice is the foundation of salvation, replacing the old system of sacrifices.
2. Forgiveness Comes Through Christ Alone – The shedding of His blood means that sins are fully forgiven for those who trust in Him.
3. The Lord’s Supper Is a Command, Not an Option – Jesus tells His followers to observe it regularly in remembrance of Him.
4. Communion Is a Time of Reflection and Gratitude – It reminds believers of the price Jesus paid and deepens their faith.

This verse teaches that salvation is not about keeping the Law, but about trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross. The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of that truth.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording here is carefully structured:

• “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” – Jesus is declaring that His blood, not the blood of animals, seals the new covenant.
• “Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” – The word “whenever” implies that communion is to be a regular practice, not a one-time event.
• The parallel with the previous verse – Just as the bread symbolized His body, the cup symbolizes His blood. Together, they represent His total sacrifice.

This verse is part of a structured teaching that contrasts the Corinthians’ selfish behavior with the true meaning of communion. Paul is bringing them back to Jesus’ words, reminding them that this meal is about Him, not themselves.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 26:27-28 – Jesus describes His blood as being “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
• Hebrews 9:15 – Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant.
• Hebrews 10:19-22 – Because of Jesus’ blood, believers can confidently approach God.
• Isaiah 53:5 – The prophecy that Jesus would be “pierced for our transgressions.”
• Ephesians 1:7 – Redemption and forgiveness come through His blood.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is entirely based on what Jesus has done. It is not about human effort, but about His sacrifice.

The Lord’s Supper is not just about eating bread and drinking from a cup—it is about remembering:

• That Jesus willingly gave His life for us.
• That His blood established a new and better covenant.
• That salvation is a gift, not something we earn.

Christians today should take communion with a heart of gratitude and reflection, understanding that it represents the very foundation of their faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He made a way for people to be saved. The old covenant required continual sacrifices for sin, but God, in His love, sent Jesus to be the final and perfect sacrifice.

Jesus’ willingness to shed His blood proves the depth of God’s love. He did not hold back; He gave everything so that people could be brought into a new relationship with Him.

The command to “do this in remembrance of me” also shows that God desires a close relationship with His people. He does not want them to forget what He has done. He invites them to regularly reflect on His love and grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the heart of this verse. The new covenant is established through His blood, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and making a way for sinners to be saved.

• John 10:11 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep.
• Romans 5:9 – We are justified by His blood.
• Colossians 1:20 – Peace with God comes through His blood, shed on the cross.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – We were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.

Every time believers take the cup, they are remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and proclaiming His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does the phrase “new covenant in my blood” mean to you personally?
2. How can you approach communion with a deeper sense of gratitude?
3. What are some ways to ensure that communion remains meaningful and not just a ritual?
4. How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice impact your daily walk with God?
5. What does this verse teach about salvation being a gift rather than something earned?

Paul’s words call every believer to take communion seriously. It is not just a practice—it is a proclamation of Jesus’ sacrifice and a reminder of the new life believers have in Him. The Lord’s Supper points to the greatest act of love in history: Jesus Christ shedding His blood so that sinners could be made right with God.