While they were eating, Jesus took some bread and thanked God for it and broke it. Then he gave it to his followers and said, “Take it; this is my body.”
Then Jesus took a cup and thanked God for it and gave it to the followers, and they all drank from the cup.
Then Jesus said, “This is my blood which is the new agreement that God makes with his people. This blood is poured out for many.
I tell you the truth, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine again until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22-25 NCV)
The Passover feast was celebrated for centuries before this night Jesus ate it with His closest followers. Because He spoke in parables and figures of speech, they often did not fully understand what Jesus told them. This night was no different.
What Jesus said was obviously symbolic, since He was still in His physical body. Yet its fulfillment was far more than symbolic. Jesus spoke of a continuing communion (common fellowship) through the work of His physical, substitutionary death on the cross.
His voluntary offering of Himself upon the cross sealed a new covenant—a new relationship—between God and humanity for those who choose to trust in and follow Him. ©Word-Strong_2015