The sacrament’s symbolism is reemphasized for the benefit of those absent on the first day. It symbolizes a tree of life that provides eternal nourishment and life. (See commentary accompanying 3 Nephi 18:1.)
Reference: Joseph again borrowed familiar language for his translation: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).