Understanding Luke 22:17
Luke 22:17 states, “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves.” This verse is part of the account of the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, an essential element of Christian worship and memory.
Verse Meaning and Insights
The significance of Luke 22:17 can be explored through the lens of various public domain commentaries. The insights presented by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke offer valuable interpretations of this verse.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry highlights the context of the Lord’s Supper, noting that Jesus eagerly desired to eat this Passover with His disciples before His suffering. This moment is deeply rooted in the themes of sacrifice and communion:
- Communion: The act of dividing the cup symbolizes sharing in the sacrificial grace of Christ.
- Thanksgiving: Jesus’s act of giving thanks before taking the cup reflects His deep reverence and foreknowledge of His impending sacrifice.
- Community: By instructing His disciples to share the cup, Jesus emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, encouraging unity among believers.
Albert Barnes' Commentary
Albert Barnes elaborates on the instructions given by Jesus regarding the cup. He asserts that Jesus was establishing a new covenant through these sacramental elements:
- New Covenant: The cup represents the blood of the new covenant, signifying the redemptive nature of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Symbolism: The act of dividing the cup anticipates the future practice of the Lord’s Supper, serving to remind the church of Jesus' atonement.
- Spiritual Significance: Sharing the cup signifies participation in Christ’s body and blood, an act of faith and remembrance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke provides a deeper theological perspective, focusing on the implications of the sacrificial act:
- Salvation: The pouring out of the wine signifies the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission, which is to bring salvation to humanity.
- Historical Context: Clarke notes the link to the Passover, drawing parallels between the lamb's blood in Exodus and the new covenant established by Christ.
- Faith and Memory: The instructions to divide the cup remind believers of the importance of community in faith and collective remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
Bible Verse Cross-References
This verse relates to several other passages in Scripture that deepen our understanding of its meaning. Here are 10 critical cross-references:
- Matthew 26:27-28: The parallel account of the Last Supper where Jesus establishes the new covenant.
- Mark 14:23-24: Another version of the Last Supper highlighting the significance of the blood of the covenant.
- 1 Corinthians 11:25-26: Paul’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper reinforces the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Hebrews 9:14: Discusses Christ’s blood as the basis for the eternal covenant.
- Luke 22:19: Jesus instructs to “do this in remembrance of me,” emphasizing the importance of the act.
- Exodus 12:13: The Passover lamb's blood protecting the Israelites parallels Jesus’ sacrifice.
- Isaiah 53:5: Prophecies regarding Jesus’ suffering for our transgressions and its redemptive significance.
- John 6:53-56: Jesus speaks of drinking His blood and eating His flesh in a spiritual sense, affirming participation in His sacrifice.
- Romans 5:8: Highlights God’s love in sending Christ to die for us, central to understanding the cup's meaning.
- Revelation 19:9: The future marriage supper of the Lamb, linking back to the commemorative supper initiated here.
Thematic Connections
In addition to individual cross-references, examining themes across Scripture can provide a richer understanding of Luke 22:17:
- Redemption: The act of taking the cup signifies a pivotal moment in redemptive history.
- Sacrificial Love: Jesus’ giving of thanks coupled with His knowledge of impending suffering shows the depth of His love for humanity.
- Unity Among Believers: The shared cup promotes unity within the body of Christ, an essential element of Christian fellowship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luke 22:17 invites believers to reflect on the profound significance of the Last Supper and the establishment of the new covenant. By engaging with this verse through various commentaries and exploring its connections with other Scriptures, we gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrificial love of Christ and the call to communal remembrance in faith.
