Meaning of Luke 22:7

This verse, Luke 22:7, marks the precise moment when the events of the Passover festival, a deeply symbolic and foundational observance in Jewish tradition, begin to unfold in Jerusalem. It situates Jesus and his disciples within the chronological and ritualistic framework of this significant annual commemoration. The "day of Unleavened Bread" immediately followed the Passover meal itself, and the sacrifice of the Passover lamb was the central act that initiated the week-long observance of unleavened bread. This timing is crucial because it highlights that Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples was, in fact, the Passover meal, aligning his final earthly hours with the ancient covenantal meal of redemption.

Context and Background

The Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. God's final plague upon Egypt was the death of the firstborn, but the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. This blood served as a sign for the "destroyer" to "pass over" their homes, sparing their firstborn. The subsequent exodus from Egypt was so swift that there was no time for the bread to rise, leading to the institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasted seven days. The Passover lamb was sacrificed on the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, and the Passover meal was eaten that evening, ushering in the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus’ actions, therefore, take place within this highly charged religious and historical context.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are redemption, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of prophecy. By participating in the Passover meal, Jesus is consciously aligning himself with the ancient narrative of liberation. However, his presence imbues the ritual with a new and ultimate meaning. The Passover lamb was a sacrifice that shielded the Israelites from physical death; Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is presented as the ultimate sacrifice that shields humanity from spiritual death and sin. The verse emphasizes the appointed time for this pivotal event, suggesting divine orchestration and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse points to Jesus as the antitype of the Passover lamb. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross provides atonement for sin and offers spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death. The unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and sincerity (as leaven often represents corruption or sin in Scripture), also finds a parallel in the believer's call to live a life free from sin, consecrated to God. The application lies in understanding Jesus as our Passover sacrifice, the one through whom we receive true freedom and forgiveness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 22:7 is a pivotal point in the New Testament narrative, connecting the Old Covenant, symbolized by the Passover, to the New Covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, culminating in the Passover lamb, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. His death and resurrection are the fulfillment of the covenant promises, ushering in a new era of salvation accessible through faith in him. This verse serves as a bridge, demonstrating that Jesus is not an anomaly but the culmination of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a master architect preparing to unveil his masterpiece. The blueprints and preliminary sketches (Old Testament prophecies and rituals) all point to the final, perfect structure (Jesus' redemptive work). The Passover lamb is like a detailed preliminary sketch, hinting at the grandeur of the final edifice. Another analogy is that of a doctor prescribing a specific treatment for a critical illness. The Passover was a divine prescription for a nation in bondage, but Jesus is the ultimate cure, the final and perfect remedy for humanity's spiritual ailment.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 12: This chapter details the institution of the Passover, providing the historical and theological foundation for Luke 22:7. The instructions for the lamb's sacrifice and the blood on the doorposts are directly echoed in Jesus' role.
• John 1:29: John the Baptist declares, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This directly links Jesus to the sacrificial imagery of the Passover lamb.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7: Paul explicitly states, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." This verse directly interprets Jesus' identity and role in relation to the Passover.
• Hebrews 9:11-14: This passage discusses Jesus as the High Priest and the sacrifice of his own blood, which is superior to the Old Testament sacrifices, including the Passover lamb.