“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Luke 22:19-20

In breaking the bread, Jesus reinterpreted the meaning of the bread to refer to his body and the cup to refer to his blood poured out for many (vv. 19, 20). This signifies that Jesus intended this meal to be celebrated after his death and resurrection in remembrance of him, just like the Passover meal was observed by the Israelites to remember the deliverance of God. Significantly, Jesus also mentioned that he would not eat the meal (v. 16) nor drink the fruit of the vine until the kingdom comes (v. 18). He was indicating that the entire creation is still patiently waiting for this day when we will celebrate the heavenly banquet; God will take people from every tribe and nation as his own. There is a strong eschatological significance in the participation in the last supper.

As we participate in Communion, we not only look back to the finished work of Jesus on the cross but also forward, to his coming again. We recall the words of Paul: ‘For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes’ (1 Co 11:26). May we be ready for the second coming of Jesus.

APPLY

As we celebrate this memorial of breaking the bread and drinking the cup, may we be faithful to proclaim Christ’s death until he comes.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father God, thank you for sending your Son as our perfect sacrifice. Lord Jesus, thank you for taking on flesh, being broken and poured out for us. Holy Spirit, thank you for empowering us to accept this gift of salvation.

(Edited from Encounter with God)