Knowing The Word in Luke 22:14-23

Institution of the Lord's Supper

22:14 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.”2 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.

Comments

The wording in Luke makes it sound as if Jesus himself did not eat the Passover meal, leaving the bread, wine, and other items for his disciples. The Passover meal, as required as a feast by God in Exodus, has the typological significance of deliverance. This specific meal hosted by Jesus pointed forward to a greater significance that is seen in the fullness of the kingdom of God that will come with the cross and resurrection. Whether Jesus did or did not eat with his disciples, the meal pointed to the heavenly meal of the wedding feast between Jesus and his Church at the end of time.

There were four obligatory cups of wine in the Passover meal. Only Luke mentioned the first cup. Speaking with this cup in hand, Jesus let them know their time of intimate fellowship was coming to an end. He would not be with them again until after he initiated the kingdom of God in his passion and resurrection. When he took the bread and broke it, which was what was done at the Passover meal, no one was surprised, except for the wording he added: “This is my body, which is given for you.” These words were the surprising twist. The word “is” has caused much controversy in the Church regarding Holy Communion. The most obvious understanding is that the broken bread symbolized Jesus’ “broken” body on the cross, yet some have made Holy Communion to be the “re-sacrificing” of Jesus and the bread his literal flesh.

Sometime later in the meal, not immediately after the bread, Jesus picked up another cup of wine, and said it represented a new covenant ratified with his own blood. With the bread and the wine Jesus said his impending death had saving significance as a new Passover. This new covenant replaced the blood sacrifices of the Old Covenant, initiating a new redemption effected by his sacrificial death.

In the most sacred moment, Jesus announced there was a betrayer among them—one who participated in the first holy communion service. Jesus pronounced an undefined yet unpleasant future for Judas. Just because God uses evil people do for his greater purposes, does not mean that Judas was guiltless or any less evil. He will pay the consequences for his crime against divinity and humanity.

Application

One wonders if anyone suspected Judas as the betrayer? Jesus did not name him, and no one tried stopping Judas from leaving. What do you think you would have done in that situation?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you said to remember your death upon the cross when we come together to break bread and drink wine. Looking up, we know you as risen Savior. Looking around, we know you are with us in our fellowship with one another. Looking forward, we await the coming of your kingdom in all its fulness and the heavenly banquet for all who turn to you.