704. Anyone enlightened from heaven can perceive in himself that flesh and blood in the above passages do not mean flesh and blood, but that in the natural sense they both mean the passion of the cross, which they were to remember. Therefore, when the Lord instituted this supper of the last Jewish and the first Christian passover, He said:
This do in remembrance of Me (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24, 25). It may likewise be seen that the bread and wine do not mean bread and wine, but in the natural sense they have the same meaning as flesh and blood, that is to say, the passion of His cross, for it is written:
Jesus brake the bread and gave to the disciples, and said, This is My body. And He took the cup and gave to them, saying, This is My blood (Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20). Therefore also the passion of the cross is called a cup (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44; Mark 14:36; John 18:11).
This page is part of 
© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church