Luke 22:20 – “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus takes the cup of wine after the meal and explains that it represents the new covenant established by His blood, which will be poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This is one of the most significant moments in the New Testament because it reveals the purpose of Jesus’ upcoming death and its connection to God’s plan of redemption.
The “new covenant” refers to a new relationship between God and His people, made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. Under the old covenant, the people of Israel were required to follow the law, and forgiveness of sins came through animal sacrifices. But Jesus is saying that His blood, shed on the cross, will fulfill and replace the old covenant. His sacrifice will be sufficient to cover sin once and for all, making it possible for people to be forgiven and reconciled to God.
When Jesus says His blood is “poured out,” it points to His willingness to lay down His life as a sacrifice. The cup is not just a symbol of death—it is a symbol of life given in love for the sake of others.
Historical Context
During the Jewish Passover meal, wine was an important element that symbolized the joy of God’s deliverance from slavery. Traditionally, multiple cups of wine were shared during the meal, each with its own significance. Jesus takes one of these cups and gives it a new meaning, connecting it to the new covenant.
The concept of a covenant was deeply rooted in Jewish history. The old covenant, given through Moses, established the Israelites as God’s chosen people and included the Ten Commandments and the system of sacrifices. But the Old Testament also contains promises of a new covenant, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to write His law on people’s hearts and forgive their sins. Jesus is declaring that this new covenant is now being established through His blood.
The imagery of blood being “poured out” would have reminded the disciples of the sacrificial system, where the blood of animals was offered on the altar to atone for sins. Jesus is saying that His blood will be the ultimate and final sacrifice, making future animal sacrifices unnecessary.
Theological Implications
This verse is foundational to Christian theology because it explains the meaning of Jesus’ death. His blood, shed on the cross, is the basis of the new covenant, which brings forgiveness of sins and restores the broken relationship between God and humanity.
The new covenant is based on grace rather than law. Under the old covenant, people were required to follow the law perfectly, and failure to do so resulted in the need for continual sacrifices. But under the new covenant, salvation is a gift that comes through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. His blood is sufficient to cover all sin, past, present, and future.
The idea of the blood being “poured out” also points to the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from death in Egypt, Jesus’ blood protects believers from eternal separation from God. His death is an act of substitution—He takes the punishment that sinners deserve so that they can receive forgiveness and eternal life.
Additionally, this verse highlights the communal aspect of the new covenant. Just as the disciples shared the cup, believers today share in the blessings of Jesus’ sacrifice through their participation in the Lord’s Supper (Communion). The cup symbolizes not only individual forgiveness but also the unity of all believers as members of Christ’s body.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s phrasing emphasizes the intentionality and significance of Jesus’ actions. The words “this cup is the new covenant” are declarative, indicating that something monumental is happening. The mention of Jesus’ blood being “poured out” evokes imagery of the sacrificial system and the gravity of His impending death.
The placement of this verse after the meal also carries meaning. The Passover meal, which traditionally celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel, is now being transformed into a celebration of spiritual deliverance through Jesus. Luke’s structure underscores the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant.
The use of the word “covenant” ties this moment to God’s promises throughout the Old Testament. Luke invites readers to see Jesus as the fulfillment of those promises and the one who brings about a new era in God’s relationship with His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 24:8 – Moses sprinkles the blood of the covenant on the people, signifying their commitment to God’s law.
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The prophecy of the new covenant, where God promises to forgive sins and write His law on people’s hearts.
- Isaiah 53:12 – The suffering servant “poured out his life unto death,” foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrificial death.
- Hebrews 9:15-22 – The blood of Jesus establishes the new covenant, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrifices.
- 1 Corinthians 11:25 – Paul’s account of the Lord’s Supper, where he emphasizes the significance of the cup and the new covenant.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the centrality of Jesus’ sacrifice. His blood, poured out on the cross, is the foundation of the new covenant and the reason believers can have a restored relationship with God. This verse calls believers to remember and reflect on what Jesus did for them, particularly during the Lord’s Supper.
Participating in Communion is a way to obey Jesus’ command to remember His sacrifice and proclaim His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). It is a time for believers to reflect on their need for forgiveness, celebrate the grace of God, and renew their commitment to live in obedience to Him.
This verse also emphasizes the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice. Believers do not need to earn God’s favor through good works or religious rituals. Jesus’ blood is enough to cover all sin, providing complete forgiveness and eternal life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this verse. The new covenant is an expression of His love and grace, as it provides a way for people to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Instead of requiring continual sacrifices and adherence to the law, God offers forgiveness through the once-for-all sacrifice of His Son.
The fact that Jesus’ blood was “poured out” reflects the depth of God’s love. Jesus willingly endured suffering and death because of His love for humanity. God didn’t leave people in their sin—He made a way for them to be saved through Jesus’ sacrifice (John 3:16).
This verse also shows that God’s love is personal. The phrase “for you” indicates that Jesus’ sacrifice is not just a general act of salvation—it is meant for each individual who places their faith in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the mediator of the new covenant. His blood is the means by which the new covenant is established, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament and providing a way for people to be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God.
The idea of Jesus’ blood being “poured out” connects to His role as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood protects believers from eternal death and separation from God.
This verse also highlights Jesus’ role as the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53. He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice, taking the punishment for sin so that others could be forgiven. His death is not the end of the story—it is the foundation of the new covenant and the beginning of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the new covenant established by Jesus’ blood give you confidence in your relationship with God?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus’ blood was “poured out” for your forgiveness?
- How can you approach the Lord’s Supper with a deeper sense of gratitude and worship?
- How does understanding the new covenant help you appreciate God’s grace and the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice?
- In what ways can you live out the unity of believers, knowing that you share in the blessings of the new covenant with others?
This verse reminds believers of the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s a call to remember God’s love, celebrate His grace, and live in the freedom and hope that come from being part of the new covenant.