Luke 22:20 - Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
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What does "Luke 22:20" mean?
Luke 22:20, "Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you," is a key verse in understanding the Christian sacrament of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist. Let's break down its meaning:
"Likewise, he took the cup after supper": This follows the account of Jesus sharing bread with his disciples. The cup, likely filled with wine, was taken after the meal had concluded. This highlights the importance of this specific act.
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood": This is the crucial statement.
"This cup": Refers to the contents of the cup, traditionally understood to be wine. The wine represents something beyond itself.
"New Covenant": This is a reference to the prophecies in the Old Testament, especially Jeremiah 31:31-34, which speaks of God establishing a new covenant with his people. This new covenant would be characterized by a deeper relationship with God, forgiveness of sins, and a law written on their hearts. The old covenant was based on law and sacrifice, this new covenant would be based on grace and a new sacrifice.
"In my blood": Connects the cup directly to Jesus's impending sacrifice. The blood symbolizes life, atonement, and cleansing. The New Covenant is established through the shedding of Jesus's blood, replacing the old covenant sacrifices. Jesus becomes the ultimate and final sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.
"Which is poured out for you": Emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus's death and its benefit to his followers.
"Poured out": Suggests a complete and willing sacrifice.
"For you": Indicates that the sacrifice is for the benefit of the disciples, and by extension, all believers. It is an act of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus takes the punishment for the sins of others.
In summary, this verse means that:
The cup of wine symbolizes the New Covenant between God and humanity.
This New Covenant is established through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus's sacrifice is for the benefit of his followers, offering forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
By partaking in the cup (communion), believers are participating in and remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and the New Covenant.
Different Interpretations:
While the core meaning remains the same, different Christian denominations interpret the "is" in "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" differently:
Transubstantiation (Catholicism): The bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ, though the outward appearance remains the same.
Consubstantiation (Lutheranism): The body and blood of Christ are present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
Symbolic View (Many Protestant denominations): The bread and wine are symbols representing the body and blood of Christ, and the act of communion is a memorial meal and a spiritual experience.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, Luke 22:20 is a powerful statement about the significance of Jesus's sacrifice and the new relationship it establishes between God and humanity.
Luke 22:20 - Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
What does "Luke 22:20" mean?
Luke 22:20, "Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you," is a key verse in understanding the Christian sacrament of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist. Let's break down its meaning:
"Likewise, he took the cup after supper": This follows the account of Jesus sharing bread with his disciples. The cup, likely filled with wine, was taken after the meal had concluded. This highlights the importance of this specific act.
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood": This is the crucial statement.
"This cup": Refers to the contents of the cup, traditionally understood to be wine. The wine represents something beyond itself.
"New Covenant": This is a reference to the prophecies in the Old Testament, especially Jeremiah 31:31-34, which speaks of God establishing a new covenant with his people. This new covenant would be characterized by a deeper relationship with God, forgiveness of sins, and a law written on their hearts. The old covenant was based on law and sacrifice, this new covenant would be based on grace and a new sacrifice.
"In my blood": Connects the cup directly to Jesus's impending sacrifice. The blood symbolizes life, atonement, and cleansing. The New Covenant is established through the shedding of Jesus's blood, replacing the old covenant sacrifices. Jesus becomes the ultimate and final sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.
"Which is poured out for you": Emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus's death and its benefit to his followers.
"Poured out": Suggests a complete and willing sacrifice.
"For you": Indicates that the sacrifice is for the benefit of the disciples, and by extension, all believers. It is an act of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus takes the punishment for the sins of others.
In summary, this verse means that:
The cup of wine symbolizes the New Covenant between God and humanity.
This New Covenant is established through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus's sacrifice is for the benefit of his followers, offering forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
By partaking in the cup (communion), believers are participating in and remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and the New Covenant.
Different Interpretations:
While the core meaning remains the same, different Christian denominations interpret the "is" in "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" differently:
Transubstantiation (Catholicism): The bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ, though the outward appearance remains the same.
Consubstantiation (Lutheranism): The body and blood of Christ are present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
Symbolic View (Many Protestant denominations): The bread and wine are symbols representing the body and blood of Christ, and the act of communion is a memorial meal and a spiritual experience.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, Luke 22:20 is a powerful statement about the significance of Jesus's sacrifice and the new relationship it establishes between God and humanity.