Luke 22:7-22 is about Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples, establishing the practice of communion, and foreshadowing his imminent betrayal and crucifixion.
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.
21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!
Setting the Scene for Luke 22:7-22
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 Jesus and his closest followers gather for this significant occasion. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow over the group seated around a low table.
The disciples, including Peter, John, James, and the others, have come together at Jesus’ request to share in this sacred meal. They recline on cushions around the table, their sandals kicked off as they prepare to partake in the traditional Passover feast. Jesus, the central figure in the room, takes on the role of host, guiding his disciples through the rituals of the meal.
As they eat and drink, Jesus shares with them the deeper significance of the Passover, foreshadowing the events that are about to unfold. He speaks of betrayal and denial, causing a somber mood to settle over the room. The disciples listen intently, their hearts heavy with the weight of Jesus’ words, unaware of the trials that lie ahead.
What is Luke 22:7-22 about?
This verse from the Bible holds significant meaning as it captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus, known for his acts of love and service, institutes the Lord’s Supper, a symbolic ritual of communion that Christians around the world continue to partake in as a way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. This act of sharing bread and wine represents unity, shared faith, and remembrance of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Furthermore, this verse foreshadows the betrayal that Jesus will face. He openly acknowledges that one of his disciples will betray him, showing his acceptance of the difficult path set before him. Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer, demonstrating his knowledge of the events to come, yet continues on his path of love and forgiveness. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ unwavering commitment to his mission, despite the challenges and betrayals he will face.
Reflecting on this verse prompts us to consider the themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and steadfast faith. How can we embody Jesus’ example of love and service in our own lives, even in the face of betrayal or challenges? How does the act of communion in the Lord’s Supper deepen our connection to Jesus and to one another as a community of believers? May we find inspiration in Jesus’ actions and the strength to walk in his footsteps with courage and grace as we ponder these questions.
Understanding what Luke 22:7-22 really means
The passage in Luke 22:7-22 takes us to the poignant moment of the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This event holds immense significance as it marks the institution of the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, a central sacrament in Christian worship. As we delve into the key phrases of this passage, we encounter profound symbolism and meaning. When Jesus refers to “the day of Unleavened Bread,” He connects the Last Supper to the Passover, a time of remembrance for the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt, foreshadowing His role as the ultimate deliverer.
Moreover, Jesus’ words, “This is my body given for you,” symbolize His sacrificial offering, His body broken to atone for the sins of humanity. Similarly, His statement, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” introduces a new covenant, replacing the old Mosaic covenant with a promise of grace and forgiveness through His sacrificial death. These phrases not only highlight the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice but also emphasize the transformative power of His atonement for believers.
Exploring related biblical passages further enriches our understanding of the Last Supper. In Exodus 12:1-14, we witness the original Passover, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the plague, serving as a prefiguration of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Paul’s account in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 underscores the importance of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice through the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Additionally, Hebrews 9:15 elucidates Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant, underscoring the significance of His sacrificial death in reconciling humanity with God.
The relevance of the Last Supper extends to believers today in various ways. Firstly, it serves as a source of spiritual nourishment, reminding us of Jesus’ sacrifice and the salvation He offers. Secondly, Communion fosters community and unity among believers, strengthening their shared faith and bond. Lastly, it provides a space for reflection, repentance, and recommitment to following Jesus, prompting believers to examine their hearts and renew their dedication to Him.
In envisioning the Last Supper as a spiritual family meal, we draw parallels to a physical gathering where stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened. Similarly, Communion serves as a spiritual feast where believers come together to commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice and reaffirm their allegiance to Him. Just as a family meal nourishes and unites, so does the Lord’s Supper nourish and unite the Christian community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared faith.
In conclusion, the Last Supper transcends its historical context to become a living tradition that continues to shape and nourish the faith of believers. It beckons us to remember Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, to embrace unity with one another, and to seek continual spiritual renewal in our walk with Christ.
How can we deepen our connection to God?
To deepen our connection to God, we can reflect on the example found in the verse. We can cultivate deeper connections with God through meaningful experiences of prayer, worship, and fellowship with others who share our faith, just as Jesus shared a significant and intimate moment with his disciples during the Last Supper. We open ourselves up to receiving God’s love and guidance more fully by prioritizing these practices in our lives. We can deepen our connection to God by emulating the humility and servanthood displayed by Jesus in this passage. We align ourselves more closely with God’s will and purpose for our lives by seeking opportunities to serve others with love and compassion. Through acts of service and selflessness, we not only draw closer to God but also reflect His light and love to those around us.
Furthermore, we can deepen our connection to God by honoring the traditions and rituals that help us remember and celebrate His presence in our lives. We can engage in spiritual practices that center us on the truths of God’s love, grace, and redemption, just as the disciples observed the Passover meal as a way to remember God’s deliverance and faithfulness. We can cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God by being intentional about incorporating these practices into our daily lives.
Application
Reflect deeply on the sacrifice Jesus made for you. Consider the symbolism of His Last Supper. Will you carry forward His legacy of love and grace? Will you spread His message to those around you? Will you walk in His footsteps and live a life worthy of His sacrifice?
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.