Jesus’ words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” spoken at the Last Supper, weren’t random or symbolic for the sake of tradition. They pointed to a deeper reality—His coming sacrifice on the cross. The bread represented His body given for us; the wine, His blood poured out to establish a new covenant of forgiveness. These words aren’t just about Communion—they’re about grace, redemption, and a love that gives everything.
Understanding what Jesus meant changes how we see His death, our relationship with God, and why Christians still remember this moment today. Whether you see Communion as symbolic or deeply spiritual, what matters most is that Jesus meant it personally—for you. Keep reading for a deeper dive into these powerful words and what they mean for your faith and everyday life.
If you’ve ever taken part in Communion or heard Christians talk about the Last Supper, you’ve probably heard Jesus’ words: “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” But what did He actually mean?
These phrases come from one of the most important moments in the New Testament—the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. Christians have repeated these words for 2,000 years. But understanding what Jesus meant changes how we see His death, His love, and what it means to follow Him.
Let’s break it down clearly and directly.
1. Where Does the Phrase Come From?
The words show up in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—as well as in 1 Corinthians, where Paul describes the Lord’s Supper.
Here’s how it’s written in Matthew 26:26–28 (ESV):
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Jesus said this during Passover, a Jewish festival remembering how God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 12). Every part of the meal had symbolic meaning—so when Jesus added His body and His blood into the picture, He wasn’t being random. He was pointing to something huge.
2. “This Is My Body” — What Did Jesus Mean?
When Jesus said, “This is my body,” He was holding bread, something every Jew at the Passover meal would expect. But instead of the usual meaning (symbolizing the bread the Israelites ate in Egypt), Jesus gave it a new one.
Here’s what He meant:
A. He Was Giving Himself
Jesus was telling His disciples:
“I’m about to give myself for you. I’m the sacrifice now.”
In ancient Judaism, sacrifices were made to cover sin. Jesus was saying, “I’m the sacrifice that all the others were pointing to.”
Isaiah 53:5 says:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace…”
Jesus was fulfilling that prophecy.
B. Not Literal Flesh — But Deeply Personal
Jesus wasn’t saying the bread turned into His literal flesh in that moment. He was using powerful symbolic language. Just like He said in John 10:9, “I am the door,” no one thought He was literally a wooden door. But they understood: “He’s the way to God.”
In the same way, “this is my body” meant:
- “This bread represents me.”
- “I’m giving my body up for you.”
- “When you eat this, remember what I’ve done.”
3. “This Is My Blood” — Why Blood?
Then Jesus took a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant.”
A. Blood Meant Life—and Forgiveness
In Jewish law, blood represented life (see Leviticus 17:11). It was also required for forgiveness. The book of Hebrews says:
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22).
So when Jesus said, “This is my blood,” He was telling His followers:
- “I’m making a new covenant between God and people.”
- “My blood will be poured out for you—for forgiveness.”
- “You’ll no longer need animals or priests—I’m enough.”
The “new covenant” goes back to Jeremiah 31:31–34, where God promised to write His law on people’s hearts and forgive their sins completely. Jesus was saying: “That starts now—with my blood.”
4. What Did the Disciples Think?
At the time, the disciples probably didn’t fully grasp what Jesus meant. But after His death and resurrection, it all came into focus.
Jesus’ body had been broken on the cross, and His blood had been poured out. That Passover meal became the pattern for what Christians now call the Lord’s Supper or Communion.
Paul later explains in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26:
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
5. So What Does It Mean for You?
When you hear “this is my body” and “this is my blood,” Jesus is inviting you to:
1. Remember His Sacrifice
Communion isn’t just a ritual. It’s a way to regularly stop and say, “Jesus died for me. He gave everything. He loves me.”
2. Receive Grace
The bread and wine (or juice) remind us that Jesus’ body and blood weren’t taken—they were given. Willingly. Out of love.
3. Join a New Covenant
You’re not trying to earn your way to God. Jesus has already made the way. His death starts a new relationship—one based on grace, not performance.
6. Different Christian Views on These Words
Not all Christians understand “this is my body” and “this is my blood” in the exact same way. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Tradition | View on Bread & Wine |
| Roman Catholic | Transubstantiation — The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus. |
| Lutheran | Consubstantiation — Jesus is really present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. |
| Reformed/Presbyterian | Spiritual Presence — Jesus is spiritually present in a real but non-physical way. |
| Baptist/Evangelical | Symbolic Memorial — The bread and cup are symbols, helping us remember Christ. |
Even with these differences, most agree on the essentials:
- Jesus gave His body and blood for us.
- Communion reminds us of His death.
- We do it in faith, hope, and gratitude.
7. Final Takeaway: It’s Personal
Jesus didn’t just say, “This is the body.” He said, “This is my body… given for you.”
Same with the blood: “Poured out for many.” That includes you.
So when you next hear those words, remember:
- It’s not empty ritual.
- It’s not distant theology.
- It’s personal.
He gave Himself for you.
Summary: What Jesus Meant by “This Is My Body” and “This Is My Blood”
| Phrase | Meaning |
| This is my body | Jesus offers Himself as the true Passover sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His body, broken for us. |
| This is my blood | Jesus’ blood starts a new covenant of forgiveness. His life is poured out to save many. |
Bottom line: Jesus wasn’t just talking about bread and wine. He was pointing to the cross. To His sacrifice. To a new relationship with God, sealed by love and offered freely to you.
If this helped you understand Communion better, share it or talk about it with someone. It’s not just tradition—it’s the heart of the gospel.
🔍 FAQs: “This Is My Body” and “This Is My Blood”
1. What does “This is my body” mean in the Bible?
It means Jesus was offering Himself as a sacrifice. The bread symbolized His body, soon to be broken on the cross for our sins.
2. What did Jesus mean by “This is my blood”?
He was referring to His coming death. The wine symbolized His blood, which would be poured out to establish a new covenant and forgive sins.
3. Was Jesus speaking literally or symbolically?
Most scholars agree He was speaking symbolically. Just like “I am the door” in John 10:9, it was a powerful metaphor with deep meaning.
4. Why did Jesus use bread and wine?
Bread and wine were part of the Jewish Passover meal. Jesus used these familiar elements to reveal the deeper meaning of His coming sacrifice.
5. What is the new covenant Jesus mentioned?
It’s a new relationship between God and people, based on grace and forgiveness through Jesus’ death—not law or animal sacrifices (see Jeremiah 31:31–34).
6. Do Christians still practice this today?
Yes. Most churches regularly celebrate Communion or the Lord’s Supper to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, just as He instructed.
7. What’s the difference between Catholic and Protestant views of Communion?
Catholics believe in transubstantiation (bread and wine become Jesus’ body and blood). Many Protestants view Communion as symbolic or spiritually significant, not literal.
8. Why is blood so important in the Bible?
Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11) and was required for atonement. Jesus’ blood symbolizes the complete forgiveness of sins.
9. Is Communion required to be a Christian?
No, but it’s an important way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and stay connected to the gospel message. It’s a command, not a requirement for salvation.
10. What should I think about during Communion?
Reflect on Jesus’ love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the new life you have because of Him. It’s a time of gratitude, remembrance, and hope.
