“And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” – Luke 22:20
These words, which are familiar to many, aren’t merely a ritual saying. There is profound and glorious truth in these words as Jesus speaks of the new covenant in His blood. In biblical times, covenants were serious matters and were sealed with blood.
In Hebrew, to make a covenant was literally to “cut” a covenant. The rules, requirements, and punishments for violation of the covenant would be read aloud, then animals would be cut in half and the parties would walk between them. The blood of innocent animals would seal the covenant with dreadful consequences promised to those who violated the covenant. In later times, animals would be slaughtered and their blood splashed or sprinkled on the parties to the covenant.
The same thing happened at the cross of Christ. At the cross, God established a new covenant with His people. This covenant wasn’t based on a long list of rules and expectations, nor was it built on the threat of dreadful punishment for violators. This was a covenant of grace. The new covenant offers forgiveness of sins and loving welcome into God’s family to everyone who believes in Jesus, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. Like each covenant before it, the covenant of grace was sealed with blood.
Instead of an innocent animal, God sealed the new covenant of life, love, grace, and mercy, with the blood of His Son Jesus. As Jesus hung dying on the cross, His lifeblood pouring out of His wounds, He established the new covenant. His blood is figuratively poured over every person who embraces Him as Lord, washes our sins away and making us new creation. Consider this each time you take of the cup of communion!