Meaning of Luke 22:14

This verse marks the commencement of the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry and the foundation of Christian communion. The phrase "When the hour came" signifies the divinely appointed time for this Passover meal, imbued with profound theological significance. The act of reclining at the table, typical of a celebratory meal in that cultural context, contrasts with the solemnity and gravity of the events that would unfold, including Jesus' impending betrayal, arrest, suffering, and crucifixion. It sets the stage for Jesus to institute a new covenant, symbolized by the bread and wine, which would forever alter the relationship between God and humanity.

Context and Background

The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a commemoration of Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jesus, aware of his impending death, chose this significant occasion to share a final meal with his disciples. The Passover meal itself was rich with symbolism, pointing forward to redemption. Jesus, as the Passover Lamb, fulfills and transcends the Old Testament observance, inaugurating a new reality of salvation. The disciples, though present, likely did not fully grasp the immediate implications of the hour or the deeper meaning of Jesus' actions and words.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Timing: "The hour" emphasizes God's sovereign plan and the precise moment for Jesus' sacrifice.
• Communion and Fellowship: The act of sharing a meal signifies intimacy and unity between Jesus and his followers.
• Anticipation of Sacrifice: The reclining posture, while common, is placed within the context of Jesus' foreknowledge of his impending suffering and death.
• Institution of the Lord's Supper: This verse is the prelude to Jesus' establishment of a new ritual that would memorialize his atoning sacrifice.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Luke 22:14 is the gateway to understanding the Lord's Supper, a sacrament central to Christian worship. It calls believers to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, and to recognize the ongoing communion they share with him and with one another through his body and blood. The act of partaking in communion is a remembrance of the new covenant, a declaration of faith, and a source of spiritual nourishment and strength. It is an invitation to ongoing fellowship with Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial link in the redemptive history presented in the Bible. It connects the Old Testament Passover, which commemorated physical liberation, with the New Testament institution of the Lord's Supper, which commemorates spiritual liberation from sin. Jesus, by reclining at this table, positions himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings about eternal redemption. This event is the climax of Jesus' earthly mission, preparing the way for his resurrection and the establishment of the Church.

Analogies

One analogy for the significance of this verse is like the final rehearsal before the premiere of a life-changing play. The disciples are gathered for a familiar event, but the director, Jesus, is about to introduce a new act that will redefine the entire performance and its meaning for all future audiences. Another analogy is that of a king preparing to sign a new treaty with his loyal subjects. The signing ceremony, much like the meal here, is a formal act that establishes a new and enduring relationship, superseding all previous agreements.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intrinsically linked to the subsequent verses in Luke 22, particularly Luke 22:19-20, where Jesus explicitly institutes the Lord's Supper: "Then he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" It also resonates with the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12 regarding the suffering servant, and with Jesus' own words about his life being given as a ransom in Mark 10:45. Furthermore, the concept of "the hour" echoes in John 12:27, where Jesus declares, "Now my heart is troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour."