What does "until it is fulfilled" in Luke 22:16 signify about Jesus' mission? Setting the Scene “Jesus said, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering. For I tell you that I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 22:15-16) Key Phrase: “Until it is fulfilled” • “Until” signals a pause, not an end—Jesus looks beyond the cross to a future completion. • “Fulfilled” (Greek plērōthē) means brought to perfect completion, fully carried out. • “The kingdom of God” identifies the sphere and moment when that completion becomes visible and celebrated. How the Passover Points to Jesus • Exodus 12: The original Passover rescued Israel through a spotless lamb’s blood. • John 1:29: John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” • 1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • Luke 22 shows Jesus positioning Himself as the ultimate Passover sacrifice whose work will culminate in God’s kingdom. Fulfillment at the Cross • On Calvary, Jesus literally shed His blood, meeting every prophetic requirement (Isaiah 53:5-6). • He established the New Covenant foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-34, ratified “in My blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). • Thus the sacrificial element of Passover reached its true, historical completion. Fulfillment in the Kingdom • Matthew 26:29 parallels Luke and specifies “until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” • Revelation 19:9: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” • The imagery moves from an earthly Passover table to a heavenly banquet—symbolizing universal, eternal redemption. • There Jesus shares the meal again, signaling that His mission—including judgment, resurrection, and the gathering of His people—is fully accomplished. Why the Gap Matters • Guarantees the resurrection and ascension: if Jesus is to share another meal, He must rise and reign (Acts 1:9-11). • Anchors Christian hope: every Lord’s Supper looks forward to that promised banquet (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Demands evangelism: the interval exists so the gospel can reach “all nations” (Matthew 24:14). Implications for Believers Today • Confidence—Christ’s mission cannot fail; its fulfillment is scheduled by God. • Communion—each celebration of the bread and cup rehearses the coming feast. • Consecration—because “the time is near” (Revelation 22:10), holiness and readiness matter. |
    |