In these verses from the book of Luke, we witness a pivotal moment during the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the sacrament of the Holy Communion or the Eucharist. He takes bread, a staple of their meal, and imbues it with a deeper significance. Breaking the bread, he likens it to his body that would soon be given for them. This act foreshadows the imminent crucifixion and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus was about to make for humanity's redemption.
- The Bread of Sacrifice and Unity
By saying "This is my body which is given for you," Jesus establishes a profound connection between the bread and his own sacrifice. The bread represents his physical body, offered as a sacrificial offering for the forgiveness of sins. This image of brokenness and self-giving mirrors the essence of his impending crucifixion. Furthermore, this act of partaking in the bread signifies the unity of believers with Christ and with each other.
- The Cup of the New Covenant
Likewise, Jesus takes a cup of wine after supper and equates it with the "new covenant in my blood." This reference alludes to the Old Testament prophecies about a new covenant that God would establish with His people. In the Old Testament, covenants were often sealed with blood, symbolizing the seriousness of the commitment. Here, Jesus signifies that his own blood would seal the new covenant, bringing about reconciliation between God and humanity.
- The Significance of the Eucharist
These verses mark the institution of the Eucharist, a central sacrament in Christianity. The Eucharist encapsulates both the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and his continued presence among believers. The act of taking the bread and the cup is a spiritual practice that signifies communion with Christ and a reaffirmation of faith. It serves as a means of grace, nourishing believers' spiritual journey and fostering a sense of unity within the body of Christ.
Cross-References:
1 Corinthians 11:24-25: "and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.' In the same way he also took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.'"
Hebrews 9:15: "For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."
In conclusion, Luke 22:19-20 portrays a moment of deep significance during the Last Supper where Jesus institutes the sacrament of the Holy Communion. Through the bread and the cup, he vividly symbolizes his sacrificial death, the establishment of the new covenant, and the unity of believers with him and with one another. The Eucharist continues to hold profound meaning in Christianity, serving as a tangible reminder of Christ's redemptive work and his abiding presence among believers.
See also: vs 21-22
Luke 22:19-20. He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”