Luke 22:17 – “After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks the beginning of the Last Supper, where Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples and redefines its meaning. Jesus takes the cup of wine, offers a prayer of thanksgiving, and invites His disciples to share it. This is more than a simple act of sharing a meal—it’s a symbol of the new covenant that Jesus is about to establish through His death. The cup represents the blood He will shed to bring forgiveness of sins and establish a new relationship between God and humanity.
The act of giving thanks, or “blessing the cup,” was common in Jewish meals, especially during the Passover. But in this context, Jesus’ words carry much greater significance. He is preparing His disciples for what is to come and teaching them that His suffering will lead to something far greater—the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
Historical Context
During the Passover meal, several cups of wine were traditionally shared at different points in the ceremony. Each cup had symbolic meaning related to the Exodus and God’s deliverance of Israel. The cup mentioned here may correspond to the “first cup” or the “cup of blessing,” which marked the beginning of the meal with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Passover was a time to remember God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, but Jesus is now shifting the focus to a much greater deliverance—freedom from sin through His sacrifice. The disciples, who were familiar with the traditional Passover customs, would have initially seen this as a normal part of the meal. However, Jesus is about to reveal a new and deeper meaning.
The act of sharing the cup also symbolized unity. In Jewish culture, sharing a cup was a sign of fellowship and community. By instructing His disciples to “divide it among you,” Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity among His followers and their shared participation in the blessings of the new covenant.
Theological Implications
This verse introduces the new covenant, which is central to the Christian faith. The cup that Jesus shares symbolizes the blood He will shed on the cross, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrifices and establishing a new way for people to be reconciled to God. Under the old covenant, forgiveness of sins required the sacrifice of animals, but Jesus’ sacrifice would be final and complete (Hebrews 10:10).
The giving of thanks is also significant. Even as Jesus faces suffering and death, He gives thanks to God, demonstrating His trust in the Father’s plan. This act of gratitude shows that Jesus is willingly offering Himself for the salvation of humanity, not out of obligation but out of love and obedience.
Additionally, the act of sharing the cup points to the unity of believers in Christ. The new covenant is not just about individual salvation—it creates a community of believers who are united through their shared faith in Jesus. This unity is symbolized in the Lord’s Supper (Communion), where believers continue to share the bread and cup as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and their bond as members of His body.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s wording emphasizes the sequence of events: Jesus takes the cup, gives thanks, and then invites His disciples to share it. This deliberate structure highlights the significance of each action. The act of giving thanks (often translated as “eucharisteo”) is central, reminding readers that even in the face of suffering, Jesus maintained a posture of gratitude and trust.
The phrase “divide it among you” underscores the communal aspect of the meal. Jesus is not just sharing a drink—He is sharing His life and mission with His disciples. The use of the cup as a symbol will be expanded in the next verses, where Jesus connects it directly to His blood and the new covenant.
Luke’s narrative invites readers to reflect on the layers of meaning in this simple act. What appears to be a routine part of the Passover meal is actually a profound moment of spiritual significance.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:1-14 – The original Passover meal, which Jesus is now fulfilling through His death.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 – Paul describes the cup of blessing as a participation in the blood of Christ.
- Mark 14:23-24 – A parallel account of Jesus sharing the cup and explaining its connection to His blood.
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The prophecy of the new covenant, which Jesus fulfills through His sacrifice.
- Hebrews 10:10 – Jesus’ sacrifice is the once-for-all offering that brings forgiveness under the new covenant.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of gratitude and trust in God’s plan. Even as Jesus faced suffering, He gave thanks, showing that gratitude is not dependent on circumstances but on a deep trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Believers are called to follow His example by giving thanks in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The verse also highlights the significance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion). When believers share the bread and cup, they are participating in the new covenant, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, and celebrating the unity they have in Christ. This is a time to reflect on the gift of salvation and renew one’s commitment to live in obedience to God.
Additionally, this verse encourages Christians to embrace the communal nature of their faith. The instruction to “divide it among you” reminds believers that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. The church is a community of people who are united by their shared relationship with Christ and their participation in His mission.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this verse. The cup represents the sacrifice Jesus is about to make, and that sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for humanity (John 3:16). God’s love is not distant or abstract—it is personal and sacrificial. He sent His Son to suffer and die so that people could be reconciled to Him and experience eternal life.
The act of giving thanks before sharing the cup reflects God’s loving provision. Even as Jesus faced suffering, He recognized the goodness of God’s plan and trusted that it would result in salvation and restoration. This shows that God’s love is not only present in moments of joy but also in moments of suffering and sacrifice.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who both initiates and fulfills the new covenant. By taking the cup, giving thanks, and sharing it with His disciples, He is symbolizing the sacrifice He is about to make on the cross. His blood will be the means by which sins are forgiven and humanity is restored to a right relationship with God.
The sharing of the cup also points forward to the unity believers will have in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus creates a new community of believers who are united in their faith and their mission. The cup becomes a symbol not only of salvation but also of the fellowship believers share as members of Christ’s body.
Additionally, this verse foreshadows the “wedding supper of the Lamb” mentioned in Revelation 19:9, where believers will share in a final, joyful banquet in the presence of Christ. The act of sharing the cup at the Last Supper points to this future celebration, where God’s kingdom will be fully realized.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ act of giving thanks, even in the face of suffering, challenge you to practice gratitude in your own life?
- What does this verse teach you about the significance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion) and its meaning for believers today?
- How can you embrace the communal aspect of faith, recognizing that you are part of a larger body of believers?
- In what ways does the cup of the new covenant remind you of the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s love?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God’s plan, even when it involves difficult or uncertain circumstances?
This verse reminds believers of the depth of Jesus’ love, the importance of gratitude, and the unity they share as members of God’s family. It invites reflection on the significance of the new covenant and the hope of a future celebration in God’s eternal kingdom.