Luke 22:7-23 is about Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples, foreshadowing his betrayal by Judas and his impending sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
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!
23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
Setting the Scene for Luke 22:7-23
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 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 gathered with Jesus for this sacred meal. They have followed his instructions to find the man carrying a jar of water, who led them to the house where they would share the Passover together. As they recline at the table, Jesus begins to explain the significance of the bread and wine, foreshadowing the events that are about to unfold.
Tension hangs in the air as Jesus speaks of betrayal and denial among his closest followers. Judas Iscariot is present at the table, his actions already set in motion to betray Jesus. The disciples are confused and troubled by Jesus’ words, not fully understanding the gravity of the situation that is about to unfold. The scene is charged with emotion as they partake in this final meal together before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.
What is Luke 22:7-23 about?
Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper in this verse, a symbolic act that Christians remember to this day to commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. However, this moment is overshadowed by the revelation of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. Imagine the tension in the room as Jesus shares bread and wine with His disciples, knowing that one of them would soon betray Him. It’s a powerful reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the deep pain of betrayal, even among close companions.
Furthermore, Jesus also predicts Peter’s denial, adding another layer of sorrow to this already somber moment. Peter, who was known for his boldness and loyalty to Jesus, would soon deny Him three times out of fear. This prediction serves as a lesson in humility and the frailty of human nature, showing that even the most dedicated followers of Christ can falter in their faith. It prompts us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities and shortcomings, urging us to rely on God’s grace and strength to remain steadfast in our faith. This verse is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the unshakeable faithfulness of Jesus, even in the face of betrayal and denial.
Understanding what Luke 22:7-23 really means
The passage in Luke 22:7-23 captures the poignant moment of the Last Supper, a significant event where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This meal holds immense importance in the New Testament as it marks the institution of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, a practice central to Christian worship. Set during the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery, the Last Supper takes on added layers of symbolism and meaning.
In this passage, Jesus utters profound phrases that carry deep significance for believers. When He declares, “This is my body given for you,” He is symbolically representing His forthcoming sacrifice on the cross, offering Himself for the redemption of humanity. Likewise, His words, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” establish a new covenant between God and humanity, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation through His sacrificial death. By instructing His followers to “do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus ensures that His sacrifice and teachings are perpetually honored and remembered by His disciples.
The Last Supper finds resonance in other biblical passages, such as 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Paul underscores the importance of the Lord’s Supper in proclaiming Jesus’ death until His return. Additionally, Exodus 12:1-14, depicting the original Passover event, serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Furthermore, in John 6:53-58, Jesus alludes to the necessity of partaking in His body and blood for eternal life, hinting at the future institution of the Eucharist.
Today, the Last Supper remains a foundational element of Christian faith, reminding believers of Jesus’ sacrificial love and the promise of eternal life. It underscores the significance of community and fellowship, mirroring the intimate gathering Jesus shared with His disciples. Through the practice of Communion, Christians are regularly reminded of the new covenant and the grace extended through Jesus’ sacrifice, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual connection among believers.
Just as a family gathers for a holiday meal, strengthening bonds through shared stories and traditions, the Last Supper serves as a spiritual gathering that unites believers in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice and teachings. In contemporary times, a church community partaking in Communion reflects a diverse group finding unity and purpose in their shared faith, echoing the communal aspect of the Last Supper.
In conclusion, the Last Supper transcends its historical context to shape Christian worship and identity today. Through Communion, believers are continually reminded of Jesus’ sacrificial love, inspiring gratitude, unity, and a steadfast commitment to His teachings. This passage calls Christians to live in a manner that honors Jesus’ sacrifice, fostering a deep sense of unity, gratitude, and dedication to His redemptive work.
How can we actively remember Jesus’ sacrifice daily?
We can actively remember Jesus’ sacrifice daily by observing the Lord’s Supper or Communion. During this sacred act, we partake of bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ body and blood that were given for us on the cross. This symbolic act serves as a tangible reminder of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for our sins.
Additionally, we can remember Jesus’ sacrifice daily through prayer and reflection. Taking time each day to thank God for sending his Son to die for us and to meditate on the profound love displayed on the cross helps to keep the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice fresh in our minds and hearts.
Finally, living out our faith in a way that honors and reflects the love and sacrifice of Jesus is another way to actively remember His sacrifice daily. When we follow His teachings, show kindness and forgiveness to others, and strive to live a life that glorifies God, we are embodying the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated through His death on the cross.
Application
Reflect on the profound love and sacrifice shown to us in Luke 22:7-23, as Jesus gave His all for us. Let’s embrace gratitude, humility, and a heart of service, just as He did. It’s time to transform our actions into echoes of His immense love for us. Will you heed His call to love and serve others selflessly, following in His footsteps?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.