“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”– Luke 22:19 (KJV)
“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’– Luke 22:19 (NLT)
“Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, given for you. Eat this in my memory.’– Luke 22:19 (MSG)
What Does Luke 22:19 Mean?
In this passage, we see a powerful moment in the life of Jesus during the Last Supper with his disciples. He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and then shares it with them. This simple act carries immense significance. Jesus links the bread to the concept of his body. By doing this, he is foreshadowing the sacrifice he is about to make on the cross.
When Jesus asks us to remember him through the act of sharing bread, he invites us into a relationship with him. This is not merely about remembering a historical figure or event; it is a deep call to reflect on the meaning of his life, death, and resurrection. We are reminded of the love and sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Through this communion, we are connected not only to him but to each other as his followers.
Luke 22:19 Explanation and Commentary
The act of taking bread is a common theme in the Bible. Bread symbolizes nourishment, sustenance, and life. Jesus often used everyday items to communicate profound truths. In the Old Testament, God provided manna to the Israelites while they wandered in the desert. Just as God sustained them physically, Jesus is presenting himself as our spiritual sustenance. He is declaring that his body will be given in sacrifice so that we may have eternal life.
When we approach the table of communion, we are reminded of our identity as children of God. It challenges us to consider how we treat one another in the community of believers. Jesus highlights the idea of togetherness and unity in sharing this meal. It is a moment for us to reflect on our relationships with each other and how we can serve one another in love.
Furthermore, the phrase “do this in remembrance of me” is a powerful call to action. It signifies that this act of sharing the bread is not just a ritual, but a deeply spiritual act of obedience and worship. Each time we participate in communion, we connect with the sacrifice Jesus made, and we recommit ourselves to following his teachings and example.
This verse also emphasizes the need for gratitude and thankfulness. Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread; this teaches us to approach life with a heart of gratitude. It encourages us to pause and recognize the blessings we have received, even in the midst of challenges.
The command to remember further illustrates that our faith is not based on blind tradition but is rooted in a personal relationship with Christ. Reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus helps us cultivate a deeper appreciation for the grace we have received. This remembrance should inspire us to live out our faith actively, sharing the love of Christ with those around us.
Context of Luke 22:19
To fully grasp the importance of Luke 22:19, we must consider the context in which it was spoken. This moment occurs during the Passover, a significant Jewish festival that commemorates Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Jesus and his disciples are gathered to celebrate this meaningful event when he introduces a new understanding of the bread and wine.
The Last Supper takes place just before Jesus’ crucifixion. Throughout the Gospels, we see the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who felt threatened by his teachings and actions. Jesus knows that his time is short and uses this final meal with his disciples to instill vital truths in their hearts.
In this context, Jesus’ words and actions gain even more significance. By connecting the act of breaking bread with his imminent sacrifice, he shifts the focus from traditional practices to the reality of his mission. It serves as a reminder that he is the true Paschal Lamb, whose blood will be shed for the redemption of humanity.
The disciples were likely oblivious to the gravity of what Jesus was saying at that moment. His seemingly simple words were filled with profound meaning that they would come to realize after his resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Hence, understanding the background of this verse enhances our comprehension of its depth and transformative power.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 22:19
In this verse, the key parts include the act of taking bread, giving thanks, breaking the bread, and sharing it with the disciples. Each component is rich with meaning. We can begin by examining the significance of “taking bread.”
When Jesus takes the bread, he is making a claim over it. He acknowledges that it is a gift from God. It reminds us that all things we possess, including our very lives, are gifts from our Creator. By giving thanks, Jesus exemplifies how we should approach God with gratitude, recognizing his provision in our lives.
The act of breaking the bread signifies sacrifice. It is a representation of Jesus’ body, which will be broken for us on the cross. This is an intimate gesture that invites us to partake in the suffering and grace of God. In the early church, the breaking of bread was a central component of their gatherings. It signifies unity among believers as they come together to remember and celebrate Jesus.
When Jesus says “given for you,” it evokes a profound personal connection. He willingly gives his life for our sake, demonstrating the ultimate expression of love. This is crucial for us to understand, as it helps us internalize the gravity of our faith. Jesus teaches us that love is not just a feeling but an action—an act of selfless giving.
Finally, the command to “do this in remembrance of me” distills the essence of what it means to follow Christ. It’s an invitation to remember his sacrifice while prompting us to respond with our lives. We are not called to be passive recipients of his grace, but active participants in sharing that grace with others.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 22:19
This verse carries vital lessons for us in our daily lives. One significant lesson is the importance of gratitude. In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget the goodness of God in our daily lives. Jesus’ example of giving thanks before breaking bread encourages us to cultivate hearts of gratitude, ensuring we recognize and celebrate the blessings around us.
Another lesson is the call to live in community. Sharing bread symbolizes unity and fellowship. It reminds us that we are not isolated in our faith journey; we are part of a larger family of believers. This should inspire us not only to partake in gatherings of worship but also to serve one another outside the walls of the church. We need each other, and in community, we find support, encouragement, and accountability.
Jesus invites us to remembrance, which also leads us to reflection. Reflecting on his sacrifice should inspire us to live in ways that honor him. This means actively participating in acts of kindness, love, and service to those around us while letting our actions be a testament to our faith.
In addition to gratitude and community, the importance of remembrance can transform into a daily practice. Recognizing Jesus’ love can profoundly impact our struggles, decisions, and interactions with others. Instead of solely being a ritual, our remembrance should extend beyond the communion table and into every aspect of our lives.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Luke 22:19, we are reminded of the profound depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Through the act of sharing bread, we are not only reminded of his body given for us but we are also called to reflect on our relationships with God and those around us. This simple act of sharing can bring us closer to understanding the core of what it means to be loved and to love in return.
Let this verse inspire us to embrace gratitude, foster community, and live with intentionality in our remembrance of Christ. Every time we gather to share communion, let us approach it with a renewed sense of purpose, honoring the sacrifice that brings us together as one body.
As we continue exploring more of Scripture and its meanings, consider reading other passages to deepen your understanding. For example, if you’re curious about the laws and practices from earlier in the Bible, you can check out Leviticus 25:24. Understanding Christ in all of Scripture can help enrich our walk with Him.