What does "He took the cup" symbolize in the context of communion? Setting the Scene Luke 22:17-20 records, “And taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves… This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.’” The moment Jesus “took the cup” stands at the very heart of communion, anchoring every celebration of the Lord’s Supper in His once-for-all sacrifice. Covenant Echoes • Exodus 24:8: “Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you…’” • By lifting the cup, Jesus echoes that Sinai scene, declaring a new and better covenant (Jeremiah 31:31). • Where Moses sprinkled animal blood externally, Christ offers His own blood, securing an internal, everlasting covenant. The Cup and Christ’s Blood • Matthew 26:27-28: “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” • Mark 14:24 underscores the same: the cup represents the shed blood that pays sin’s debt (Leviticus 17:11). • 1 Peter 1:18-19 calls that blood “precious,” emphasizing its unique value and efficacy. Participation and Unity • 1 Corinthians 10:16: “Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ?” • Sharing one cup pictures believers sharing one Savior, one salvation, one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). • The act unites across backgrounds, reminding every participant of equal standing at the foot of the cross. Anticipation of the Kingdom • Luke 22:18: “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” • Each observance of communion looks ahead to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), when Christ will once again raise the cup with His redeemed. Living in Light of the Cup • Examine your walk (1 Corinthians 11:28). The cup calls for sincerity and holiness. • Proclaim His death (1 Corinthians 11:26). Every communion service preaches the gospel. • Rejoice in full forgiveness (Hebrews 9:14). The cup assures cleansed consciences and confident access to God. Thus, “He took the cup” symbolizes the ratification of the new covenant by Christ’s own blood, the believer’s intimate participation in that sacrifice, the unity of the church, and the sure hope of the coming kingdom. |
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