Mark 14:22 – “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks the beginning of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion. While sharing the Passover meal with His disciples, Jesus takes a familiar element—bread—and gives it new significance. After giving thanks, He breaks the bread and gives it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body.”
The breaking of the bread symbolizes the sacrifice that Jesus is about to make on the cross. His body will be broken and given for the salvation of humanity. The act of eating the bread signifies the disciples’ participation in His sacrifice and their acceptance of the new covenant that He is establishing. By giving thanks, Jesus acknowledges God’s provision and shows that His death, though painful, is part of God’s plan for redemption.
Historical Context
The Passover meal was central to Jewish life, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The meal included symbolic foods, such as unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and a roasted lamb, each representing different aspects of their redemption story (Exodus 12). The unleavened bread, which Jesus used, reminded the Israelites of their haste in leaving Egypt—they didn’t have time to let their bread rise.
By using the bread to represent His body, Jesus was showing that He was the fulfillment of the Passover. Just as the Israelites were saved by the blood of the lamb, believers would be saved through His sacrifice. Jesus was redefining the meal, shifting the focus from the past deliverance of Israel to the future deliverance from sin through His death.
Theological Implications
This verse is foundational for understanding the doctrine of the atonement—Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. The bread symbolizes His body, which was broken on behalf of sinners. Through His death, Jesus took the punishment for sin, making it possible for believers to be reconciled to God.
The act of giving thanks (known in Greek as eucharisteo, from which the word “Eucharist” is derived) emphasizes that Jesus’ death is not a tragedy but a divine gift. It was an act of love and obedience to the Father, meant to bring salvation to the world. The breaking and sharing of the bread also highlight the communal aspect of salvation—believers are united through Christ’s sacrifice and are called to participate in His life and mission.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s writing is often brief and direct, but this verse is packed with meaning. The simple act of breaking bread becomes a powerful symbol of Jesus’ impending death and the establishment of a new covenant. The phrase “this is my body” is central to the verse and serves as a metaphor, pointing to the reality of Jesus’ physical sacrifice.
The act of giving thanks is also significant. It shows Jesus’ complete trust in God’s plan, even though He knows that suffering lies ahead. The repetition of actions—taking, breaking, and giving—emphasizes the intentionality of what Jesus is doing. He is not a passive victim but an active participant in God’s plan of salvation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:8 – The instructions for eating the unleavened bread during the first Passover, which Jesus reinterprets during the Last Supper.
- Isaiah 53:5 – A prophecy about the suffering servant who would be “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities.”
- Luke 22:19 – A parallel account where Jesus says, “This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 – Paul’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper, where he recounts Jesus’ words about the bread representing His body.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the centrality of Jesus’ sacrifice in their faith. The bread represents His body, broken for the forgiveness of sins, and participating in Communion is a way to remember and reflect on that sacrifice. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a meaningful act of worship and gratitude.
The verse also highlights the importance of community. Just as the disciples shared the bread, believers are called to live in fellowship with one another, united by their shared faith in Christ. Communion is not only a personal act of remembrance but also a communal act that connects believers to one another and to Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in His willingness to give His only Son as a sacrifice for sin. The breaking of the bread symbolizes the depth of God’s love—Jesus’ body would be broken so that sinners could be made whole. This act of love is not conditional or limited; it is freely offered to all who believe.
God’s love is also shown in His desire for relationship and fellowship with His people. By instituting the Lord’s Supper, Jesus provides a way for believers to regularly remember His love and reflect on their relationship with Him. Communion serves as a reminder that God’s love is ongoing and that His presence is with believers as they live out their faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ role as the Savior who willingly gave His life for the redemption of humanity. The bread symbolizes His body, broken on the cross, and points to the reality of His sacrificial death. By sharing the bread with His disciples, Jesus invites them to participate in His mission and to accept the new covenant He is establishing through His blood.
The breaking of the bread also foreshadows the suffering Jesus would endure. His body would be beaten, pierced, and crucified, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53). His death was not just a physical event—it was a spiritual act of atonement that made salvation possible for all who believe.
- John 6:35 – Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry,” highlighting His role as the one who sustains and saves.
- Hebrews 10:10 – Describes how believers are made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus’ body once for all.
- 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, emphasizing the redemptive nature of His sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the symbolism of the bread deepen your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- What does it mean to you to participate in Communion as a reminder of Christ’s body being broken for you?
- How can you express gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice in your daily life, beyond the act of Communion?
- What role does fellowship with other believers play in helping you stay connected to Christ’s sacrifice and mission?
- How does understanding Jesus’ obedience and trust in God’s plan challenge you to trust God more in your own life?