In what ways does Luke 22:20 influence our view of communion today? “In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.’” The Cup Announces a New Covenant • Jesus identifies the cup with the once-promised “new covenant” (Jeremiah 31:31-34), declaring that His own blood secures it. • By linking covenant and blood, He echoes Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkled blood to seal the first covenant; Christ’s sacrifice fulfills and surpasses that prototype. • Communion therefore is not a mere memorial meal; it is the covenant-ratification ceremony for every generation of believers. Communion as Covenant Renewal Today • Each observance reaffirms that we stand before God on the basis of Christ’s shed blood, not personal merit (Hebrews 9:15-22). • The cup is a tangible sign that the promises of forgiveness and new hearts are already ours (Ezekiel 36:25-27). • We actively “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26), renewing our covenant loyalty. A Continual Call to Remember the Cross • The phrase “poured out for you” underscores substitution—His life for ours (Isaiah 53:5). • Communion keeps Christ’s atoning work at the forefront of worship, guarding the church from drifting into self-reliance or mere ritual. • Every sip invites grateful reflection: sin truly paid for, wrath satisfied, reconciliation accomplished (Colossians 1:20). Strengthening the Unity of the Body • One shared cup points to one shared salvation (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Partaking together testifies that the ground is level at the foot of the cross; social, ethnic, and economic barriers fall away (Galatians 3:28). • Any divisions must be renounced before participating (1 Corinthians 11:18-29), protecting the purity of the covenant community. Fueling Forward-Looking Hope • “Until He comes” infuses communion with anticipation of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). • The cup is both memorial and preview—reminding us that the same Savior who bled will soon reign openly (Matthew 26:29). Practical Implications Each Time We Receive – Approach the table with sober joy: confession of sin, confidence in grace. – Treat the elements as sacred signs pointing to literal historical events—His real body broken, His real blood shed. – Treasure church fellowship; reconcile quickly so the cup is not drunk “in an unworthy manner.” – Let the symbolism strengthen faith: as surely as the wine touches lips, Christ’s covenant promises are sure. – Leave the table on mission, ready to live as a covenant people marked by holiness and hope. Key Supporting Texts Ex 24:8; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 53:5-6; Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Hebrews 9:11-22; Revelation 19:9 |
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