Luke 22:7-20 is about Jesus sharing the last supper with his disciples, symbolizing the establishment of the new covenant through his body and blood, demonstrating the sacrificial act that would later be fulfilled on the cross for the redemption of humanity’s sins.
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.
8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.”
9 And they said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?”
10 And he said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters.
11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’
12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.”
13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.
15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
16 for I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves.
18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Setting the Scene for Luke 22:7-20
In Luke chapter 22, we find Jesus preparing to celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem. The scene is set in an upper room, a private space where they can gather for this important occasion. The disciples, including Peter, John, James, and the others, have come together with Jesus for this special meal.
As they recline at the table, the atmosphere is both solemn and anticipatory. Jesus knows that his time on earth is coming to an end, and he wants to share this final meal with his closest companions. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow over the group as they sit together.
In this intimate setting, Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks, and breaks it, symbolizing his body that will be broken for them. He then takes the cup, gives thanks, and shares it with them, representing his blood that will be shed for the forgiveness of sins. This poignant moment marks the institution of the Lord’s Supper, a sacred tradition that Christians around the world continue to observe in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice.
What is Luke 22:7-20 about?
This verse marks a pivotal moment during the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the practice of the Lord’s Supper with His disciples. Jesus imparts spiritual significance to these elements as He shares bread and wine with His disciples. The bread symbolizes His body that will be broken for humanity’s salvation, while the wine represents His blood that will be shed for the forgiveness of sins. Christians remember and proclaim Jesus’ sacrificial act on the cross by partaking in the Lord’s Supper, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of salvation and eternal life.
Reflecting on this verse prompts us to contemplate the profound sacrifice Jesus made for us and the significance of His death on the cross. It serves as a reminder of the unmerited grace and love that God has extended towards us through Jesus Christ. We not only remember Jesus’ sacrifice but also reaffirm our faith in Him and our commitment to following His teachings by participating in the Lord’s Supper. We are invited to enter into a deeper communion with Christ and with one another as we partake in this sacred ritual, strengthening our faith and unity as members of the body of Christ.
Understanding what Luke 22:7-20 really means
The passage in Luke 22:7-20 recounts the poignant Last Supper, a significant event where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This momentous occasion marks the institution of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, a central sacrament in Christian practice. As Jesus and His disciples gathered during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as Passover, the setting was rich with historical and spiritual significance. It was during this sacred feast that Jesus chose to establish a new covenant with His followers, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice He was about to make for humanity.
In the key phrases spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, profound meanings are embedded. When Jesus declares, “This is my body given for you,” He symbolically offers Himself as a sacrificial lamb, foreshadowing His impending death on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. Likewise, His words, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” signify the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity, sealed by His sacrificial death and resurrection. These phrases encapsulate the essence of Christian belief in Jesus’ sacrificial love and the redemption it offers to all who believe.
To fully grasp the significance of the Last Supper, one can look to related biblical passages that shed light on its importance. The original Passover event in Exodus 12:1-14 provides a backdrop for understanding Jesus’ actions during the Last Supper, drawing parallels between the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the spiritual liberation brought by Christ. Paul’s account in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 emphasizes the need for believers to remember Jesus’ sacrifice through the practice of Communion, highlighting the solemnity and reverence with which this sacrament should be approached. Additionally, Jesus’ discourse in John 6:53-58 about eating His flesh and drinking His blood points to the profound spiritual nourishment and eternal life that believers receive through partaking in the Eucharist.
The relevance of the Last Supper extends beyond its historical context, resonating with believers today as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and His boundless love for humanity. Through the practice of Communion, Christians are called to remember and celebrate this sacrificial act, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the new covenant established through Christ’s death and resurrection. Moreover, the Last Supper underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian faith, emphasizing the unity and shared faith that believers are called to embody.
To illustrate the profound significance of the Last Supper, one can liken it to a family gathering for a momentous meal like Thanksgiving. Just as such gatherings are not merely about the food but about the shared memories, love, and gratitude among family members, the Last Supper transcends mere bread and wine, embodying a deep spiritual connection and remembrance of Jesus’ sacrificial love. It serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love and the unity it brings to believers through the shared experience of Communion.
In conclusion, the Last Supper stands as a profound moment in Christian history that encapsulates the core of Jesus’ mission and the essence of the Christian faith. Believers are invited to partake in the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude, commemorating the new covenant established through Jesus’ sacrificial love and embracing the unity and fellowship it fosters among believers. As we reflect on the Last Supper, may we be reminded of the depth of Jesus’ love and the transformative power of His sacrifice in our lives.
What does it mean to partake in the Lord’s Supper?
Partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act that commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. When believers take part in the bread and the cup, it is a way of remembering and honoring the body and blood of Christ that was given for the forgiveness of sins. It’s a time to reflect on the immense love and grace of God demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Participating in the Lord’s Supper also serves as a unifying act for Christians. They come together to share in this meal, reminding them of their common faith in Christ and their unity as members of the body of Christ. It’s a time to reaffirm their commitment to following Jesus and living in a way that honors Him. Furthermore, partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a reminder of the hope that believers have in the return of Christ and the future feast they will share with Him in the kingdom of God.
Application
Let’s dive into the deep meaning of the Last Supper in Luke 22:7-20 – a powerful moment where Jesus bonded with his disciples over bread and wine. It’s a call for us to connect with our spirituality, acknowledging Christ’s sacrifice for our redemption. Embrace the teachings by Jesus wholeheartedly, sprinkling love, kindness, and forgiveness in our relationships and work. Will you stand with me, mirroring Christ’s unwavering love in our everyday actions?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.