New Testament · Gospel

Mark 14:22

Betrayal Begins

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.” Mark 14:22 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Mark 14:22, in plain English

During the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, 'Take it — this is My body.'

Why it's here

With these simple words, Jesus transformed an ancient meal into something entirely new. Every time Christians break bread together, they remember this moment.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks the words of institution over the bread.

Where it sits in the story

The room must have gone absolutely still. Jesus was saying that He Himself was the true Passover — His body would be broken so they could be free.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus takes Passover bread, blesses it (eulogesas), breaks it, and reinterprets it with the words 'this is My body' (touto estin to soma mou), transforming the Seder into a new covenantal meal.

Language and setting

The Passover bread (matzah) commemorated the hasty exodus from Egypt. Jesus now identifies it with His own body, about to be 'broken' on the cross for humanity's liberation.

Voice

Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper with the bread.

Significance

In the most significant reinterpretation of Jewish liturgy in history, Jesus transforms the Passover bread into the sacrament of His own sacrificial body.

In context

Mark 14:20–24

20He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me.

21The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.”

23Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

24He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.

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