Luke 22:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:19
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of wisdom, love, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:19
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Analysis
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper using unleavened bread from the Passover meal to symbolize His body 'given for you' (Greek 'didomenon'—present passive participle, emphasizing ongoing giving). The command 'this do in remembrance of me' (Greek 'anamnēsin'—remembrance/memorial) establishes a recurring ordinance for the church to regularly remember Christ's sacrifice. This parallels the Passover's memorial function, now pointing not backward to Egyptian deliverance but forward to the cross and backward from the post-resurrection church. Luke's account emphasizes the sacrificial nature ('given for you') and the memorial purpose, making Christ's death personal, substitutionary, and perpetually significant for His people.
Historical Context
Instituted during the Last Supper on Passover evening, Thursday of Holy Week (around 30 AD), in an upper room in Jerusalem. This transformed the Passover meal by giving it new meaning centered on Jesus as the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), whose death would accomplish the ultimate exodus from sin.
Reflection
- How does the command to 'remember' Christ's sacrifice affect your understanding of regular communion participation?
- In what ways does Jesus' body being 'given for you' personally challenge you to respond with gratitude and devotion?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 22:20, 24:30, Psalms 111:4, John 6:51, 1 Corinthians 10:4, 10:16