Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 22:20

"And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, [even] that which is poured out for you." — Luke 22:20 (ASV)

The words of institution in these verses bear remarkable similarity to the rendition of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24–25. This supports the reliability of Luke’s research (1:1–4). The suffering motif is consistent with Jesus’ understanding of his mission as the Suffering Servant.

The “bread” was the thick unleavened bread used in the Passover. “Gave thanks” translates the verb eucharisteo (GK 2373), the source of the beautiful word “Eucharist,” often used to signify the Lord’s Supper. Luke alone has “given for you” in the saying over the bread, as well as “poured out for you” in the cup saying.

“In remembrance of me” directs our attention primarily to the person of Christ and not merely to the benefits we receive from taking the bread and cup. The final cup taken during the Passover signifies the “new Covenant” in Jesus’ blood. The disciples would have been reminded in the Passover of the “blood of the covenant” (Exodus 24:8), i.e., the blood used ceremonially to confirm the covenant. The new covenant (cf. Jeremiah 31:31–34) carried with it assurance of forgiveness through Jesus’ blood shed on the cross and the inner work of the Holy Spirit in motivating us and enabling us to fulfill our covenantal responsibility.