Jesus had completed the Jewish Passover meal with his apostles on the evening of Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar, in the year 33 C.E. During the Passover meal he had dismissed the traitor Judas. (John 13:26, 27, 30) The historian Luke reports what then took place:

“He [Jesus] took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: ‘This means my body which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.’

Jesus’ words, “keep doing this,” are a command to all Christians in the new covenant to come together for this observance. However, this memorial is also of interest to others, to all persons who love justice and right and who desire to live in peace and unity with others.