Meaning of Luke 22:19

This verse, Luke 22:19, is a pivotal moment in the Gospels, depicting Jesus instituting the practice of the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or the Eucharist) during the Passover meal with his disciples. The act of taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and distributing it signifies a profound spiritual offering and a directive for remembrance. Jesus explicitly links this bread to his own body, which is about to be "given for you," a clear foreshadowing of his sacrificial death on the cross. The command "do this in remembrance of me" establishes this ritual as a perpetual commemoration of his sacrifice and its salvific implications for believers.

Context and Background

The scene unfolds during the Last Supper, the final Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Passover was a significant Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marked by the sacrifice of a lamb. Jesus, identified by John the Baptist as "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29), is fulfilling this symbolism, presenting himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. The disciples are aware of the Passover traditions, making Jesus' new interpretation of the bread and, later, the cup, all the more striking and meaningful.

Key Themes and Messages

• Sacrifice and Atonement: The bread represents Jesus' body, which will be broken and shed as a sacrifice to atone for sins. This is central to Christian theology, highlighting the atoning nature of Christ's death.
• Remembrance and Memorial: The command to "do this in remembrance of me" emphasizes the importance of actively recalling Christ's sacrifice and its meaning. It is not merely a historical event to be noted, but a lived reality to be continually remembered.
• Covenant and New Relationship: The act of sharing the bread and cup signifies the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity, mediated through Jesus' sacrifice. This new covenant supersedes the old Mosaic covenant.
• Community and Unity: The sharing of the bread among the disciples symbolizes their unity in Christ and their participation in his body.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For Christians, the Lord's Supper is a sacrament and a spiritual discipline. It serves as a tangible reminder of God's love, Christ's sacrifice, and the promise of redemption. It is a moment of communion with Christ and with fellow believers, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith. Regularly participating in this observance strengthens believers' faith, renews their commitment to Christ, and offers assurance of forgiveness and eternal life. It is a means of receiving spiritual nourishment and grace.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This act is deeply embedded within the Old Testament sacrificial system and prophetic pronouncements. The Passover lamb foreshadows Christ's sacrifice. The concept of a new covenant is prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to write his laws on their hearts. Jesus' institution of the Supper fulfills this prophecy, establishing a covenant based on his atoning blood. The bread and the wine are symbolic representations of his body and blood, which are central to the New Testament's message of salvation.

Analogies

One analogy for the bread is that of a foundation stone. Just as a foundation is essential for the stability and integrity of a building, Christ's sacrifice is the foundational truth upon which the entire edifice of Christian faith is built. Without this foundation, the structure of salvation crumbles. Another analogy is that of food for the soul. Just as physical bread nourishes the body and sustains life, the spiritual nourishment received through remembering Christ's sacrifice sustains and strengthens the believer's spiritual life.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: This passage provides a parallel account of the institution of the Lord's Supper and further elaborates on its meaning and proper observance, emphasizing the proclamation of Christ's death until he comes again.
• John 6:35, 48-51: Jesus states, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." He later says, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever." This connects the physical bread of the Supper to Jesus himself as the spiritual sustenance.
• Matthew 26:26-28 & Mark 14:22-24: These Gospels also record the institution of the Lord's Supper, offering slightly different wording but conveying the same core message.
• Exodus 12: The institution of Passover in Exodus provides the historical and theological backdrop for Jesus' actions, highlighting the sacrificial lamb and the covenantal meal.