This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:25, describes Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist). Let's break down its meaning phrase by phrase:
"In the same way he also took the cup, after supper..." This places the action of taking the cup after the Passover meal, which Jesus and his disciples were sharing. This emphasizes that the cup (and the meal as a whole) is something new and distinct from the Passover, though built upon its foundation.
"...saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood." This is the crucial part.
"This cup..." Likely refers to a cup of wine. The cup itself is a symbol of something more profound.
"...is the new covenant..." A covenant is a binding agreement or promise between God and humanity. The old covenant was established with Moses, based on the Law. Jesus is declaring that a new covenant is being established, surpassing and fulfilling the old one. This new covenant offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
"...in my blood." The blood symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice and the shedding of his life for the forgiveness of sins. The blood of the old covenant involved animal sacrifices; the blood of this new covenant is Jesus' own, a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice. The covenant is ratified, sealed, and made effective by his death. The blood is not simply a physical substance, but represents the life poured out in atonement.
"Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me." This is an instruction to his followers to continue this practice.
"Do this..." Refers to the act of sharing the cup (and, by implication from the other verses in the passage, the bread). It's an act of remembrance, proclamation, and participation.
"...as often as you drink..." There's no specific frequency mandated. It's not a requirement to partake every day, week, or month, but rather it's to be done "as often" as a congregation or believer feels led.
"...in memory of me." This is not just about recalling historical facts about Jesus. It's a deeper remembrance that involves:
Gratitude: Acknowledging and appreciating his sacrifice.
Worship: Honoring Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Self-examination: Reflecting on one's own sinfulness and need for forgiveness.
Commitment: Renewing one's dedication to following Jesus.
Proclamation: Each time believers partake of the Lord's Supper, they are proclaiming their faith in Jesus and His sacrifice until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
In Summary:
The verse means that Jesus instituted a new covenant, a new agreement with God's people, based on his sacrificial death. The cup of wine symbolizes that new covenant, established "in his blood," meaning through his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He commands his followers to regularly share the cup (and the bread) as a way of remembering him, his sacrifice, and their participation in this new covenant relationship with God. It's an act of worship, remembrance, self-examination, and proclamation of the Gospel.
This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:25, describes Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist). Let's break down its meaning phrase by phrase:
"In the same way he also took the cup, after supper..." This places the action of taking the cup after the Passover meal, which Jesus and his disciples were sharing. This emphasizes that the cup (and the meal as a whole) is something new and distinct from the Passover, though built upon its foundation.
"...saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood." This is the crucial part.
"This cup..." Likely refers to a cup of wine. The cup itself is a symbol of something more profound.
"...is the new covenant..." A covenant is a binding agreement or promise between God and humanity. The old covenant was established with Moses, based on the Law. Jesus is declaring that a new covenant is being established, surpassing and fulfilling the old one. This new covenant offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
"...in my blood." The blood symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice and the shedding of his life for the forgiveness of sins. The blood of the old covenant involved animal sacrifices; the blood of this new covenant is Jesus' own, a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice. The covenant is ratified, sealed, and made effective by his death. The blood is not simply a physical substance, but represents the life poured out in atonement.
"Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me." This is an instruction to his followers to continue this practice.
"Do this..." Refers to the act of sharing the cup (and, by implication from the other verses in the passage, the bread). It's an act of remembrance, proclamation, and participation.
"...as often as you drink..." There's no specific frequency mandated. It's not a requirement to partake every day, week, or month, but rather it's to be done "as often" as a congregation or believer feels led.
"...in memory of me." This is not just about recalling historical facts about Jesus. It's a deeper remembrance that involves:
Gratitude: Acknowledging and appreciating his sacrifice.
Worship: Honoring Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Self-examination: Reflecting on one's own sinfulness and need for forgiveness.
Commitment: Renewing one's dedication to following Jesus.
Proclamation: Each time believers partake of the Lord's Supper, they are proclaiming their faith in Jesus and His sacrifice until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
In Summary:
The verse means that Jesus instituted a new covenant, a new agreement with God's people, based on his sacrificial death. The cup of wine symbolizes that new covenant, established "in his blood," meaning through his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He commands his followers to regularly share the cup (and the bread) as a way of remembering him, his sacrifice, and their participation in this new covenant relationship with God. It's an act of worship, remembrance, self-examination, and proclamation of the Gospel.
