Knowing The Word in Luke 22:14-23, Institution of the Lord's Supper

Did Jesus himself eat the Passover meal? We do not know. The Passover has typological significance of deliverance. This meal will point forward to a greater significance that is seen in the kingdom of God. Jesus takes the first one of four obligatory cups of wine in verse 17. Luke is the only gospel writer to mention it. Their time of intimate fellowship is coming to an end, and Jesus will not be with them again until after he initiates the kingdom of God in his passion and resurrection. The blessing and breaking of the bread is what is done at the Passover meal, and is therefore not surprising to the disciples. His comment, “this is my body,” however understood at the time, looks forward to the cross and offer a surprising twist. The word “is” has caused much controversy in the Church. What do you think “this is my body means? What does Jesus intend?

With the bread and the wine Jesus is saying that his impending death has saving significance as a new Passover. He is most likely is referencing Isaiah 53:12. All covenants God makes with his people entail the shedding of blood. This New Covenant replaces the sacrifices of the Old Covenant, initiating a new redemption effected by the sacrificial death of Jesus. In the most sacred moment, Jesus turns to Judas, calling him out before his fellow disciples as the betrayer, who participated in the first Holy Communion service. Jesus pronounced an undefined yet unpleasant future for Judas. Just because God uses the evil people do for his greater purposes, does not mean that Judas is guiltless or any less evil. He will pay the consequences for his crime against divinity and humanity.

Luke 22:14-23

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

Prayer

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Book of Common Prayer