Matthew 26:27

gave thanks: The traditional blessing for the Passover cup was “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.” An early Christian version is “We give thanks to you, our Father, for the Holy Vine of David, your child, whom you revealed to us through Jesus your child; glory be to you forever” (Didache 9.2).

The four cups of the Passover meal match the four promises in Exodus 6:6–7: two for deliverance, one for redemption (see Matthew 26:27–28), and one for fellowship (see 26:29).

The Last Supper is important partly because of its connection to the Jewish Passover (see Exodus 12).

The steps of the Jewish liturgy for Passover are as follows:

1. Festal blessing;

2. first cup (see Luke 22:17–18);

3. eating bitter herbs (see Matt 26:23 and corresponding study note);

4. eating unleavened bread (26:26; Mark 14:22);

5. mixing the second cup;

6. reading the Passover haggadah (this is a retelling of the Exodus story, Exodus 12);

7. first part of the hallel (songs of praise, Psalms 113–114; see study note on Psalms 113–118);

8. drinking the second cup;

9. blessing and eating unleavened bread (Matt 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19);

10. eating the Passover lamb;

11. third cup (Matt 26:27–28; Mark 14:23–24; Luke 22:20);

12. fourth cup (see Matt 26:29[?]; Mark 14:25[?]);

13. time for fellowship;

14. second part of the hallel (Psalms 115–118; see Matthew 26:30).

The New Testament stories of the Last Supper do not include every part of a typical Jewish Passover. Yet, they include the key parts that gave meaning to the early Christian celebration of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist (see 1 Corinthians 11:23–25). Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the ultimate Passover lamb and the perfect sacrifice for sin.

this is My body … My blood: Ever since the Protestant Reformation, there have been three main interpretations of the words of Jesus about the bread and wine:

1. Transubstantiation: The bread and wine are believed to change into the actual body and blood of Christ, while still appearing to be bread and wine.

2. Real Presence: Christ is understood to be truly present in the sacrament in a mysterious but real way that is beyond human understanding.

3. Memorial or Symbolic View: The bread and wine are seen as symbols. The act of sharing them recalls Christ’s death and resurrection, and believers receive spiritual benefit through faith.