How does Luke 22:20 connect to Old Testament covenant promises? Luke 22:20—The Words on the Table • “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.’” (Luke 22:20) • Two pivotal ideas surface: – “new covenant” – language straight from the prophets. – “in My blood” – an intentional echo of earlier covenant seals made with sacrificial blood. Echoes of Sinai—The Mosaic Covenant • Exodus 24:8: “So Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you concerning all these words.’” • At Sinai, animal blood ratified Israel’s relationship with God; Jesus lifts the same phraseology, replacing animal blood with His own. • By doing so, He indicates that the covenant at Sinai finds its completion, not cancellation, in Him. Jeremiah’s Promise of a “New Covenant” • Jeremiah 31:31 – 34 foretells a covenant: – Initiated by God (“I will make a new covenant”). – Different from Sinai (“It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers”). – Internal (“I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts”). – Forgiving (“I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more”). • Jesus’ use of the title “new covenant” signals that this foretold era begins with His sacrificial death. The Blood Thread Running Through Scripture • Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” • Isaiah 53:12: “He poured out His life unto death… He bore the sin of many.” • Zechariah 9:11: “Because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners.” • Luke 22:20 unites these references: Jesus’ blood is the atoning, liberating, covenant-sealing life poured out. How the New Covenant Integrates Earlier Promises • Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15): God pledged blessing to the nations; the new covenant secures that blessing through Christ’s atonement (Galatians 3:13-14). • Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7): An everlasting throne; the new covenant enthrones Jesus forever (Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 3:21). • Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 24): Revealed God’s holiness yet exposed sin; the new covenant provides the internal power to obey (Ezekiel 36:26-27). • Prophetic anticipation (Isaiah 42:6; 49:8): The Servant Himself would “be a covenant.” Luke 22:20 is Jesus’ declaration that He is that Servant. Immediate Outcomes of Jesus’ Covenant Cup • Forgiveness is final and complete (Hebrews 9:11-15). • God’s people gain a new heart and Spirit-empowered obedience (Romans 8:1-4). • The covenant community expands beyond ethnic Israel to all who trust Christ (Acts 10:34-43). • Communion becomes a perpetual reminder that believers live under this fulfilled promise (1 Corinthians 11:25). Living in the Light of the Fulfilled Covenant • Assurance: God keeps every promise He makes; Christ’s blood guarantees it. • Identity: Believers are covenant partners, not distant subjects. • Mission: The covenant’s global scope motivates gospel proclamation (Matthew 26:28; Acts 1:8). |
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