Luke 22:16 – “For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus tells His disciples that this Passover meal will be His last until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. He is signaling that something significant is about to happen. The meal they are sharing isn’t just a traditional Passover meal—it is pointing to a future event where God’s ultimate plan for redemption will be completed. Jesus is about to suffer, die, and be raised to life, but He looks beyond that to a time when God’s kingdom will be fully realized.
The “fulfillment” Jesus refers to is the completion of God’s plan of salvation. The Passover, which was originally about God rescuing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, will now find its ultimate meaning in Jesus’ sacrifice. Through His death, resurrection, and eventual return, God’s kingdom will be fully established, and believers will share in the victory.
Historical Context
The Passover meal had deep significance for the Jewish people, reminding them of God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). Each element of the meal—the lamb, the unleavened bread, and the bitter herbs—pointed back to that moment of rescue. By Jesus’ time, the celebration had been observed for over a thousand years, but its true purpose was about to be revealed.
Jesus was telling His disciples that the Passover was more than just a remembrance of the past. It was pointing forward to the Messiah, who would bring a greater deliverance—not just from physical slavery but from the spiritual slavery of sin and death. This would be accomplished through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, which would establish a new covenant between God and humanity.
The reference to the “kingdom of God” would have been significant to the disciples. Many Jews in Jesus’ time expected the Messiah to bring a political kingdom, but Jesus was talking about a spiritual kingdom—one that would be fully realized at His return when God’s reign would be complete.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. The Passover, which was a shadow of things to come, would find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood would provide eternal salvation and protection from spiritual death.
The reference to the “kingdom of God” points to the hope that Christians have in the future. While Jesus’ death and resurrection initiated the kingdom of God, its full realization will occur when He returns. At that time, there will be no more death, suffering, or sin (Revelation 21:4). Jesus’ statement in this verse reminds believers that they are living in the “already but not yet” period of the kingdom—God’s rule has begun, but it will be fully established in the future.
Additionally, this verse teaches about the importance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion). When Christians partake in the bread and wine, they not only remember Jesus’ sacrifice but also look forward to the day when they will celebrate with Him in God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Literary Analysis
Luke’s writing in this verse is deliberate and reflective. The phrase “until it finds fulfillment” creates a sense of anticipation and hope. It implies that the story isn’t over yet—there is more to come. The use of the future tense (“I will not eat it again”) highlights Jesus’ awareness of His mission and the certainty of God’s plan.
This verse is also filled with contrast. On one hand, it is a somber moment as Jesus prepares for His suffering and death. On the other hand, it is filled with hope as Jesus looks forward to the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Luke’s writing invites readers to reflect on both the cost of redemption and the joy of its completion.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:1-14 – The institution of the Passover, which Jesus fulfills through His death.
- Isaiah 25:6-8 – A prophecy of a future banquet where death will be swallowed up forever.
- Matthew 26:29 – A parallel verse where Jesus says He will not drink from the fruit of the vine again until He drinks it anew in the Father’s kingdom.
- 1 Corinthians 11:26 – Paul teaches that taking Communion is a proclamation of the Lord’s death until He comes again.
- Revelation 19:9 – The wedding supper of the Lamb, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. Jesus’ death and resurrection have already secured salvation, but the story isn’t over. There is a future banquet waiting for believers—a celebration in the kingdom of God where we will share in the victory of Christ. This hope should give Christians confidence, even in the midst of trials, because they know that God’s kingdom will be fully realized.
This verse also reminds believers of the significance of Communion. When Christians take the bread and wine, they are not just remembering what Jesus did—they are also looking forward to the day when they will eat and drink with Him in His kingdom. This forward-looking aspect of Communion should fill believers with anticipation and joy.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. Just as Jesus looked beyond His suffering to the fulfillment of God’s plan, Christians are called to focus on the hope of eternity rather than the temporary challenges of this life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to share His kingdom with His people. The fact that Jesus eagerly anticipated the fulfillment of the Passover in God’s kingdom reflects God’s deep love for humanity. He doesn’t just offer salvation—He invites believers to share in the joy and celebration of His eternal kingdom.
God’s love is also demonstrated in the way He prepared a plan for redemption long before Jesus came to earth. The Passover was a symbol of God’s love and protection, but Jesus’ death and resurrection reveal the full extent of that love. God’s plan wasn’t just to rescue the Israelites from Egypt but to rescue all of humanity from sin and death.
This verse also highlights God’s patient love. While the fulfillment of His kingdom is still in the future, He waits for people to respond to His invitation. His love is patient, giving everyone the opportunity to turn to Him and be part of His kingdom (2 Peter 3:9).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who fulfills the meaning of the Passover and brings about the kingdom of God. His death on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice that the Passover pointed to, and His resurrection is the guarantee of the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
The fact that Jesus looks forward to the fulfillment of the Passover in the kingdom of God shows His understanding of His mission. He knows that His suffering and death are necessary steps in God’s plan, but He also knows that they will lead to victory. Jesus’ statement in this verse reflects His role as both the suffering servant and the triumphant King.
This verse also points forward to the “wedding supper of the Lamb” in Revelation 19:9, where believers will gather with Jesus to celebrate His victory over sin and death. Jesus’ words remind us that His sacrifice was not the end—it was the beginning of a new era in God’s plan of salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse give you hope when you face challenges or trials?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus eagerly looked forward to the fulfillment of the Passover in God’s kingdom?
- How can you approach Communion with a greater sense of anticipation and joy?
- In what ways does this verse encourage you to live with an eternal perspective?
- How does Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of the Passover deepen your understanding of God’s plan for salvation?
This verse invites believers to reflect on the past, present, and future aspects of God’s plan. Jesus’ death and resurrection have already secured salvation, but the ultimate celebration is yet to come. As we wait for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom, we can live with hope, gratitude, and a longing for the day when we will share in the joy of His eternal banquet.