The Cup of the New Covenant

Luke 22 begins the final night before the cross. At the Passover, Israel remembered how God freed them from Egypt through the blood of a lamb. Jesus gave this meal new meaning. The bread was His body given for them. The cup was the new covenant in His blood. Like the Passover lamb, Jesus would die so that His people could be set free. He said, Do this in memory of me.

Even then, the disciples argued about greatness. Jesus taught that in His Kingdom, leaders serve. He promised them a place at His table. He warned Simon that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat, but said He had prayed for him. When Peter turned back, he should strengthen his brothers.

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed in agony, Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. Luke says His sweat became like great drops of blood. (Some early copies of Luke do not include these verses.) Judas arrived with soldiers and betrayed Him with a kiss. Even then, Jesus healed a servant's ear. In the high priest's courtyard, Peter denied Him three times. The Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter wept bitterly. At dawn the council asked if He was the Son of God, and Jesus did not deny it. He said, From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God. Jesus knew all this would happen, and He knew He would rise again (Luke 24).