Luke 22:17 - He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves,

Generated Verse: Luke 22:17

What does "Luke 22:17" mean?


This verse, Luke 22:17, describes a key moment in the Last Supper, the meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. It's packed with significance:

"He received a cup..." This refers to a cup of wine, common at Passover meals.

"...and when he had given thanks..." This is crucial. Jesus blesses the wine. He offers a prayer of gratitude to God. This act of thanksgiving sanctifies the cup, setting it apart for a special purpose. In Jewish tradition, blessings are essential for sacred meals.

"...he said, 'Take this, and share it among yourselves.'" This is the instruction to the disciples.
"Take this..." He is presenting them with something of great importance, something they are meant to receive and participate in.
"...and share it among yourselves." This emphasizes unity and fellowship. They are to partake of the cup together, strengthening their bond with each other and with Jesus.

Overall meaning and significance:

Preparation for the New Covenant: This act is a precursor to the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) which is fully described later in the chapter (Luke 22:19-20). It suggests a transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, which would be sealed by Jesus's blood. Sharing the cup anticipates the sharing in Christ's sacrifice.
Unity and Fellowship: The emphasis on sharing highlights the importance of community among believers. They are to be united in their faith and in their participation in the sacraments.
Thanksgiving as a Central Act: Jesus's act of giving thanks before offering the cup to his disciples establishes thanksgiving as a central element of worship and remembrance.
Anticipation of Sacrifice: While this particular cup doesn't explicitly mention Jesus's blood or the New Covenant like the later cup in verses 19-20, the act of sharing and the context of the Last Supper foreshadows his impending sacrifice. The disciples will soon understand the deeper meaning of this shared cup.

In short, Luke 22:17 is a scene-setting verse, setting the stage for the institution of the Eucharist and emphasizing the importance of thanksgiving, unity, and anticipation of Jesus's sacrificial act. It's a crucial element of the Last Supper narrative.

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