“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”– Luke 22:20 (KJV)
“After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.'”– Luke 22:20 (NLT)
“He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.'”– Luke 22:20 (MSG)
What Does Luke 22:20 Mean?
Luke 22:20 is a deeply significant verse in the Bible. It captures a moment during the Last Supper, a very important event leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion. Jesus speaks to His disciples about the cup he is sharing with them. When He mentions that this cup represents the new covenant, it hints at a profound change in the relationship between God and humanity. In essence, Jesus is marking the transition from the old covenant, based on law and sacrifices, to a new covenant, based on grace and love.
When we think about a covenant, it often signifies a relationship or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament, God made covenants with people like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, which involved promises and rituals. Now, with Jesus establishing this new covenant, He is encompassing everyone and offering a direct relationship with God. We can see the new covenant expressed through Jesus’s death and resurrection, which provides salvation to all who believe in Him.
Luke 22:20 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Luke 22:20, we can understand that the wording here is very intentional. The phrase “new covenant” tells us that it is something fresh and transformative. Jesus was not just adding another layer to the existing religious practice. Instead, He was shifting the entire framework of how people interacted with God. Through this sacrificial love that Jesus displayed, we are invited into a relationship that is intimate, personal, and marked with unconditional love.
Moreover, the blood mentioned in this verse refers to the sacrifice He made for our sins. In Jewish tradition, blood signified life. Offering a sacrifice was essential for atoning sins under the old system, but Jesus provided Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. This is a stunning act of love and grace. As Jesus spoke these words, He had already set the path for His impending suffering, showcasing the incredible depth of His commitment to us.
As believers, we often recall communion as a remembrance of this moment. In many Christian gatherings, we participate in what is known as the “Lord’s Supper” or communion. This practice allows us to pause and reflect on the significance of His sacrifice and the covenant we now share with Him and each other. We eat the bread and drink from the cup to remember Jesus and what He has accomplished for us.
This act of remembrance is not merely a ritual; it holds immense meaning. It encourages us to be in unity with fellow believers and reflects our gratitude for the grace we have received. By remembering His sacrifice, we are continuously called to live lives that exemplify His teachings and His love.
Context of Luke 22:20
To truly grasp the significance of Luke 22:20, we should consider its context. This passage occurs during the Last Supper, which is a pivotal moment in the Gospels. Jesus knows He is about to face great suffering, yet His focus remains on His disciples. He wishes to pass on important teachings, and the act of sharing a meal with them holds significant value in the Jewish culture.
The Last Supper itself follows a series of profound events in Jesus’s ministry, including moments of healing, teaching, and revelation. Jesus had been preparing His disciples for His departure, and they were grappling with concepts like sacrifice and service. During this meal, the act of breaking bread and sharing wine serves not only as physical sustenance but also as spiritual nourishment.
Additionally, this moment establishes the foundation for what’s to come. Following the Supper, Jesus will be betrayed, arrested, and ultimately crucified. The blood He speaks of is not just symbolic. It will become a literal representation of the sacrifice He will make for the forgiveness of sins, changing humanity’s relationship with God forever. By sharing this meal, He emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship, both of which become cornerstones of the church established after His resurrection.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 22:20
When examining Luke 22:20 closely, we can break down its key components to gain a clearer understanding of its meaning. Jesus first identifies the cup, which signifies the new covenant. This is important because it marks a shift from the old system of sacrificial law to a new relationship based on faith and grace. The new covenant means that we come to God not by our actions or faults but through Jesus, who has taken upon Himself the weight of our sins.
Next, the phrase “in my blood” cannot be overlooked. In biblical terms, blood often represents life, and here it represents the life Jesus will willingly give up. This was a powerful reference, as it serves as a reminder that, through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have redemption. The act foreshadows His upcoming death but also encapsulates the hope we have in Him—the assurance that our relationship with God is restored through Jesus alone.
It’s also vital to consider the implications this has for us as believers. When we participate in communion, we welcome this truth into our lives. We are reminded that we are part of a greater story—the story of Jesus and His commitment to us, which calls us into action in the way we love and serve others. The cup signifies unity among believers, and every time we share it, we affirm our faith in Jesus and our commitment to one another.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 22:20
As we reflect on Luke 22:20, we can uncover various lessons that resonate deeply in our lives today. The first lesson is about the incredible gift of grace. Jesus didn’t come to fulfill a set of rules; rather, He came to actively seek out a relationship with us. This new covenant signifies that through Jesus, we are free from the law and are offered redemption and forgiveness. We don’t need to strive for perfection; we simply have to come to Him as we are and accept that grace.
The second lesson revolves around the importance of community in our faith journey. The Last Supper was a communal meal, and it’s significant that Jesus chose to share this moment with His closest friends. It highlights the need for support and fellowship among believers. Our faith is not a solo endeavor; it thrives best in the context of community where we can encourage one another, share our burdens, and grow together.
Lastly, Luke 22:20 reminds us of our call to service. Jesus’s sacrifice was an act of love meant to change the world. Therefore, we are invited into that same life of service. We are called to extend grace to others, as we have received it, and to be agents of love in our families, communities, and even further. As we reflect on what Jesus has done for us, we must ask ourselves how we can reflect that love in our actions towards others.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Luke 22:20 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus’s sacrifice through the establishment of a new covenant. It calls us into a relationship of grace and love with God, paving a way for forgiveness and redemption. By embracing these truths, we are encouraged to live in community, offer love to those around us, and reflect on the incredible gift we have received.
As we embrace the teachings of Jesus, let us not forget to engage with His word further. There is always more to learn and explore within the Bible, encouraging us in our faith journey so we can truly live as He intended us to live. Whether through understanding other parts of scripture such as Luke 14:4 or Leviticus 25:24, each verse shapes our beliefs and strengthens our resolve to follow Him.