Luke 22:1-38 The Last Supper and the New Covenant

September 28, 2026  

The Ten Signposts of the Bible

CAMDE—400—CALY

Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

It was Passover in Israel, and Jerusalem’s streets were crowded with people who had come back to their homeland to remember God delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Jesus’ popularity had surged as he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem and taught daily in the temple. The religious leaders wanted to get rid of him, but “they feared the people” (Luke 22:2).^[1] They needed to find a place to quietly arrest Jesus away from the crowds. 

Judas Iscariot, one of the apostles, arranged a plan for them. Under Satan’s influence, he made a financial deal with the leaders to betray Jesus in a private place (Luke 22:3–6).

While Judas was meeting with the religious leaders, Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal. He told them to go into the city, where “a man carrying a jar of water will meet you” (Luke 22:10). This was unusual, since women normally carried jars of water. The disciples were to follow the man to a house and tell the master of the house, “‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’  And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there. And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover” (Luke 22:11–13). Whether this was arranged beforehand or the result of a prophetic process is unknown.

Jesus knew his death was near. Imagine the emotion in his voice when he told the apostles, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:15–16). This is when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (communion), which believers still observe today. Luke writes: 

Luke 22:17–20
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”^[2]  

The new covenant is highlighted in Jeremiah 31:31–34. Jesus said it would be established through his blood, his sacrifice on the cross. He then revealed that one of the Twelve would betray him. Although Jesus' sacrificial death was planned and ordained by God, Judas would bear the consequences of his treachery (Luke 22:21–23). 

When Jesus once again said that he would be leaving them, sadness set in. Soon, however, self-focused motives took over. The disciples began arguing about who would lead after Jesus was gone. Luke says that “a dispute arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:24). 

Jesus reminded the apostles that his leadership structure was different from the kings of the Gentiles. He urged that the greatest "among you become as the youngest” and “the leader as one who serves” (Luke 22:25–26). Then he encouraged them, saying that the disciples would eat and drink in his eternal kingdom and “sit on thrones of judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:30). Their service on earth would be rewarded in heaven. 

Perhaps Simon Peter was leading the “who’s the greatest” debate, since Jesus turned the attention to him. He told Peter that “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,” but Jesus himself had been praying for Simon “that your faith may not fail “ (Luke 22:31–32). 

Yet Peter was sure his faith would never fail. He said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 

Then Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:31–34). Soon enough, Jesus' words proved true. 

Earlier in their ministry together, Jesus had sent the disciples out without a money bag or food, providing everything they needed himself (Luke 10:1–20). Now he tells them to take their money bag, knapsack, and also a sword, showing that things would be different. In fulfillment of Scripture, he would be seen as a "transgressor" rather than the Messiah (See Isa. 53:12). But the disciples reacted to the mention of a sword. In fact, they found two swords among the group. Jesus replied, “It is enough” (Luke 22:38). In essence, he was saying, “Enough talk about swords!” 

As we’ve said before, when Jesus was on earth, the disciples expected an earthly kingdom. His death and later ascension changed the course of history. This spiritual kingdom would be seen in the church as believers eagerly awaited the eternal kingdom of heaven. 

Read and reflect on Luke 22:1-38: Where are you tempted to seek recognition, position, or control rather than to become “the one who serves,” as Jesus commanded?

Talking to God: Ask God to help you develop a servant's heart. 

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