Luke 22:17

Luke 22:17

Luke 22:17 records Jesus taking a cup, giving thanks, and telling the disciples to divide it among themselves. This moment occurs within the Last Supper, where the cup symbolizes the new covenant in His blood. The act of giving thanks (eucharist) acknowledges God’s grace and provision, while the command to share among themselves emphasizes communal participation and the unity of the disciples. The cup serves as a symbol of sacrifice to come and fellowship in grace. The moment is intimate and sacramental, inviting the disciples into a shared experience that binds them to Christ and to one another in mission.

Theologically, the cup is a powerful symbol of Jesus’s atoning death and the establishment of the new covenant. The distribution among the disciples emphasizes the communal nature of salvation: believers are linked to one another through Christ’s sacrificial work. The command to divide it among themselves foreshadows the ongoing practice of communion and the church’s shared participation in grace.

Today, approach communion with reverence and gratitude. Recognize that Christ’s blood unites believers in a shared calling. In practical terms, participate regularly in the Lord’s Supper with humility, examining your heart, and praying for others. Extend the spirit of what the cup represents into daily life: living in unity, supporting one another, and sharing resources as a tangible expression of grace. In group settings, ensure that meals, prayers, and Scripture study foster community and mutual care. The cup becomes a symbol that motivates you to live for others, reflecting Christ’s love.

Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:27-29; Mark 14:23-25; Luke 22:20; Jeremiah 31:31-34