1 Corinthians 11:24 Commentary
In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Paul writes, "and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" (NIV)
The Context
This verse is part of Paul's instruction to the Corinthians regarding the Lord's Supper. The Corinthians were struggling with divisions and pride during their celebrations of the Lord's Supper, and Paul is correcting them on the true meaning and purpose of this sacred ritual.
The Significance of "This is my body"
In this verse, Jesus is instituting the Lord's Supper, and His words are crucial to understanding the significance of the bread. When Jesus says, "This is my body," He is not just referring to the bread as a symbol of His body, but as a representation of the sacrifice He is about to make on the cross.
The Meaning of "Do this in remembrance of me"
The phrase "Do this in remembrance of me" is often misunderstood as simply a command to remember Jesus' death and resurrection. However, the Greek word "anamnesis" used here implies more than just mental recollection. It means to re-present or re-enact the event. In this case, believers are not just remembering an event, but are participating in the sacred ritual of the Lord's Supper, which re-presents Christ's sacrifice to them.
The significance of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is not just a mere ritual or ceremony; it is a dynamic, participatory experience that connects believers with Christ's sacrifice and with each other. When believers partake of the bread and the cup, they are proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Paul reminds us that the Lord's Supper is not just a ritual, but a sacred act of remembrance and participation in Christ's sacrifice. It is a call to humility, unity, and reverence among believers. As we partake of the bread and the cup, let us remember the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and our sacred responsibility to proclaim His death until He comes again.
