At the Last Supper, Jesus said: 'This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many' (Τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν). The cup represents Christ's blood establishing 'new testament/covenant' (diathēkē, διαθήκη). This echoes Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkled blood saying, 'Behold the blood of the covenant.' Jesus' blood ratifies the new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The phrase 'shed for many' (ekchynnomenon hyper pollōn, ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν) indicates substitutionary atonement—His blood poured out on behalf of others. 'Many' doesn't mean few but multitude (Romans 5:15, 19). Christ's blood cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7), purchases the church (Acts 20:28), and mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 9:11-28; 12:24). Communion celebrates this covenant until Christ returns.
Historical Context
The Last Supper occurred on Passover eve (or Passover itself, depending on Gospel chronology). Jesus transformed Passover symbolism: bread and wine became His body and blood. The 'new covenant' fulfilled Jeremiah 31:31-34's prophecy of forgiveness and heart transformation. Old covenant used animal blood (Exodus 24:8; Leviticus 17:11); new covenant uses Christ's blood (Hebrews 9:11-14). Early church celebrated communion/Eucharist regularly (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Debates arose over real presence versus symbolic memorial. Roman Catholicism teaches transubstantiation (bread/wine become literal body/blood); Luther taught consubstantiation (Christ present with bread/wine); Reformed view emphasizes spiritual presence and commemoration. All agree it's covenant meal celebrating Christ's atoning death.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus' blood establishing the 'new covenant' fulfill and supersede the old covenant sealed with animal blood?
What does the phrase 'shed for many' teach about the extent and sufficiency of Christ's atonement?
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Analysis & Commentary
At the Last Supper, Jesus said: 'This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many' (Τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν). The cup represents Christ's blood establishing 'new testament/covenant' (diathēkē, διαθήκη). This echoes Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkled blood saying, 'Behold the blood of the covenant.' Jesus' blood ratifies the new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The phrase 'shed for many' (ekchynnomenon hyper pollōn, ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν) indicates substitutionary atonement—His blood poured out on behalf of others. 'Many' doesn't mean few but multitude (Romans 5:15, 19). Christ's blood cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7), purchases the church (Acts 20:28), and mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 9:11-28; 12:24). Communion celebrates this covenant until Christ returns.