Mark 14:22

While 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."

Study Bible

While they were eating
This phrase sets the scene during the Passover meal, a significant Jewish tradition commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The Passover meal was a time of remembrance and thanksgiving, and it is within this context that Jesus introduces a new covenant. The Greek word for "eating" (ἐσθίω, esthió) implies a communal act, highlighting the fellowship and unity among Jesus and His disciples. This setting underscores the importance of community in the Christian faith, as believers gather to remember Christ's sacrifice.

Jesus took bread
The act of taking bread is deeply symbolic. Bread, in Jewish culture, was a staple of life, representing sustenance and provision. The Greek word for "bread" (ἄρτος, artos) is used here, which can refer to any kind of bread, but in this context, it is likely unleavened bread, as used in the Passover meal. Jesus taking the bread signifies His role as the provider of spiritual nourishment and life, foreshadowing His sacrifice.

spoke a blessing
In Jewish tradition, blessings were spoken to thank God for His provision. The Greek word for "blessing" (εὐλογέω, eulogeó) means to speak well of or to praise. Jesus, by blessing the bread, acknowledges God as the source of all blessings and sets apart the bread for a holy purpose. This act of blessing transforms the ordinary into the sacred, reminding believers of the importance of gratitude and reverence in their spiritual practices.

and broke it
Breaking the bread is a powerful symbol of Jesus' impending sacrifice. The Greek verb "broke" (κλάω, klaó) signifies a physical breaking, which prefigures the breaking of Jesus' body on the cross. This act is a visual representation of His willingness to be broken for the sins of humanity, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of His mission.

and gave it to the disciples
The giving of the bread to the disciples signifies the sharing of Jesus' life and sacrifice with His followers. The Greek word for "gave" (δίδωμι, didómi) implies a deliberate and generous act. This distribution of bread symbolizes the impartation of spiritual life and the establishment of a new covenant community, where believers are united in Christ.

saying, 'Take it; this is My body.'
Jesus' command to "Take it" (λάβετε, labete) is an invitation to participate in His life and sacrifice. The phrase "this is My body" (τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ σῶμά μου, touto estin to sōma mou) is profound, as it identifies the bread with Jesus' own body. This identification is not merely symbolic but sacramental, as it points to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Theologically, this statement affirms the mystery of the Incarnation and the tangible means by which believers partake in the divine life through the sacrament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who initiates the breaking of bread and the blessing, symbolizing His body.

2. The Disciples
The followers of Jesus who are present at the Last Supper, receiving the bread and the teaching that accompanies it.

3. The Last Supper
The event during which Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting what Christians now observe as Communion or the Lord's Supper.

4. Bread
A common element of the Passover meal, which Jesus uses as a symbol of His body, soon to be broken for the salvation of many.

5. Blessing
The act of Jesus giving thanks and consecrating the bread, setting it apart for a holy purpose.

Teaching Points

The Significance of the Bread
The bread symbolizes Jesus' body, broken for us. It is a reminder of His sacrifice and the new covenant established through His death.

The Act of Blessing
Jesus' blessing of the bread signifies gratitude and consecration. In our lives, we should approach the Lord's Supper with a heart of thankfulness and reverence.

Communion as Remembrance
Partaking in Communion is an act of remembrance, calling us to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and our relationship with Him.

Unity in the Body of Christ
As the disciples shared in the bread, we are reminded of our unity as believers, partaking in the one body of Christ.

Living Sacrificially
Just as Jesus gave Himself for us, we are called to live sacrificially, serving others and spreading the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of bread in Mark 14:22 deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the act of blessing and gratitude into your daily life, following Jesus' example?

3. How does participating in Communion help you remember and reflect on the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection?

4. What are some practical ways you can promote unity within your local church community, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ?

5. How can you live out a sacrificial life in your current circumstances, inspired by Jesus' example at the Last Supper?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The Passover meal, which the Last Supper is a part of, connects to the original Passover in Egypt, where the Israelites were instructed to eat unleavened bread.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Paul recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice.

John 6:35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," connecting His teaching to the sustenance and life He provides.

Isaiah 53:5
The prophecy of the suffering servant, whose body would be broken for our transgressions, is fulfilled in Jesus.