Understanding Luke 22:16
Verse: "For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (Luke 22:16)
This verse is part of the Last Supper narrative where Jesus presages the significance of the meal He shares with His disciples. The meaning extends beyond the immediate context as it foreshadows the establishment of the Kingdom of God through His death and resurrection.
Interpretation from Public Domain Commentaries
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry emphasizes the solemnity of this last meal, noting that Jesus acknowledges the completion of the Old Covenant and the inception of the New Covenant. The breaking of bread signifies a pivotal moment in salvation history where the sacrifice of Christ will establish a new relationship between God and humanity.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Barnes elaborates on the future hope expressed in this verse, interpreting "until it be fulfilled" as the culmination of divine promises. It underscores a prophetic declaration that events will unfold in God's timing, leading to the ultimate realization of the Kingdom of God, often associated with the Messianic banquet in eschatological thought.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke provides insight on the communal aspect of the Last Supper, highlighting the unity among Jesus and His disciples. The phrase indicates not just a temporary cessation of eating but a deeper spiritual aspect of anticipation for the kingdom where believers will share fellowship in eternal glory.
Bible Cross-References
Understanding Luke 22:16 can be enhanced through the following related Bible verses:
- Matthew 26:29: "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
- Mark 14:25: "Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
- Luke 14:15: "And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God."
- Revelation 19:9: "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."
- Isaiah 25:6: "And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined."
- Luke 22:30: "That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
- 1 Corinthians 11:26: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
Connecting Themes in Luke 22:16
This verse opens avenues to explore various themes that resonate throughout Scripture:
- The New Covenant: Luke 22:16 anticipates the establishment of a New Covenant, aligning with Jeremiah 31:31-34, which speaks of a new heart and renewed relationship with God.
- The Kingdom of God: The mention of fulfillment ties into the overarching narrative of God's sovereign rule, echoing themes found in Matthew 4:17.
- Communal Fellowship: The sharing of the meal serves to strengthen community among believers, paralleling Acts 2:42.
- Preparation for Suffering: This verse also touches on the suffering of Christ, connecting to Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant is introduced.
Conclusion
Luke 22:16 serves as a profound statement on the transition from the Old to the New, encapsulating the essence of Jesus' ministry through the lens of community, prophecy, and divine promise. As believers reflect on this passage, they are invited to explore its implications richly through comparative analysis and cross-referencing, illuminating the vast interconnections within God’s Word.
