In Mark 14:22, Jesus shares bread with His disciples, stating, “Take, this is my body.” This passage is often read during Communion services to remember the sacrifice of Jesus. However, there’s more to unpack from this verse and related scriptures to understand the multifaceted nature of the blessing it signifies.

The Body of Christ: A Dual Significance

Many believers interpret the bread and wine as the literal body and blood of Christ. While this is true, there is a deeper, often overlooked dimension. When we read 1 Corinthians 10 and 11, we see that the “body of the Lord” also refers to the corporate body of believers, the church. This dual reference is significant because it expands our understanding of what it means to be blessed through Christ’s sacrifice.

In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Paul recounts Jesus’ words: “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” This statement not only points to Jesus’ physical body but also to the collective body of believers. Therefore, when Jesus blessed the bread, He was blessing both His impending sacrifice and His followers.

Greater is He That is in You

Understanding this dual blessing is crucial. As 1 John 4:4 says, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This means that the blessing of Christ’s sacrifice empowers believers. It is not merely a past event to commemorate but an ongoing reality that transforms and strengthens the church.

Jesus’ blessing at Calvary extends to us, signifying that we have a right to the blessings of God. This is not limited to spiritual blessings but includes all aspects of provision, echoing the miracles of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14. Here, the blessings were tangible, meeting physical needs.

The Blessing of Provision

Many people separate spiritual and financial blessings, believing the former is more important. However, when Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes, He demonstrated that God’s blessing encompasses all our needs, including financial ones. In biblical times, cattle, silver, and gold were measures of wealth, as seen in Genesis 13:2 where Abram is described as “very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.”

Money and the Church

Discussing money in church can be controversial, but it is necessary. Jesus spoke more about money and possessions than many other topics because He understood their importance in our lives. Financial stability allows the church to function effectively and fulfill its mission.

When the IRS contacts someone, they often pray for a miraculous cancellation of debt. However, trusting God for the provision to pay it is also a miracle. God’s provision is practical and meets our everyday needs, including financial ones.

The Blessing of Abraham

In Galatians 3, Paul explains that believers are blessed with Abraham through faith. “So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer” (Galatians 3:9). This blessing is not earned by following the law but is a gift of grace through faith in Christ.

The Promise Fulfilled in Christ

The law, given 430 years after the promise to Abraham, does not nullify the promise. Instead, it highlights our need for a savior. The promise was always meant to be fulfilled in Christ, the seed of Abraham. Galatians 3:16 clarifies this: “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ.”

Living by Faith

Galatians 3:11 states, “The righteous will live by faith.” This faith is in Jesus Christ, who redeems us from the curse of the law. By believing in Him, we receive the promise of the Spirit and become heirs to the blessing given to Abraham.

Conclusion

The blessings of God are comprehensive, covering both spiritual and material needs. Understanding the broader context of Jesus’ blessing during the Last Supper reveals that He was not only referring to His physical sacrifice but also to the continuous blessing and empowerment of the church. This understanding encourages believers to embrace the full spectrum of God’s provision, trusting Him in all areas of life. Through faith in Christ, we are heirs to the promise and recipients of His abundant blessings.