The Cup of the New Covenant – Pastor Taiwo Odukoya

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’  Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’ –  Luke 22:19-20

The disciples of Jesus Christ had never been more apprehensive. Though they had been with the Master for three years, it was obvious that something beyond what they were used to was about to happen.

First was the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This was not the first time Jesus was going to the city with His disciples for the Feast of Passover.  But as they approached Jerusalem for this year’s event, every single experience pointed to the unusual.

Before now, they had simply walked into the city with the crowd.  But this time, Jesus sent two of His disciples to get Him a colt. And the circumstances under which they were to bring it were less than usual.  Their response to anyone who asked them why they were losing the colt, which obviously was not theirs, was that the Lord had need of it.

The two disciples found the colt just as the Lord had told them.  And when they brought it to the Master, they threw their clothes on it. Then they set Jesus on the colt.  The Bible says, “As He went, many spread their clothes on the road” (v.37).  As they drew near the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for the works they had seen. In a way, it was a mini-carnival.

After all these, they settled down for what is generally regarded as the Last Supper.  As they sat at table, the events of the past few days must have been very vivid in the disciples’ minds.  Their anxiety must have been further heightened by the Lord’s statement, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (v.15).

And from the blues came the bombshell: that was the last meal He was having with them before His death (v.16).  It was therefore important that they took this particular event and the words He was speaking to them very seriously.

Jesus took the cup, gave thanks and asked His disciples to share it among themselves.  He did the same thing with the bread.  Then He concluded this discourse with a statement that would stand true in all eternity: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.”

It is true that at this time Jesus had not yet shed His blood.  But He did a few hours later.  And by shedding His blood a covenant was established in which you are a partaker.  Today, all the blessings of salvation are yours by that eternal divine arrangement.  No wonder Jesus said, just before giving up the ghost, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).  Literally, He was saying, “I have put an end to your struggles with sin, poverty, sickness, pain, sorrow, shame, failure and confusion.”

Now, you celebrate the victory of God over the devil in every aspect of your life every time you take the Holy Communion.  Can I advise you?  Do it alone or with your family daily.  You can even do it with your staff.  You are resisting the devil and putting him to flight as often as you do it. The shed blood of Jesus is still at work and will continue to be. So let the celebration of victory continue!

However, if you have not personally received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, the starting point is to invite Him into your heart. Please pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I confess You are my Lord. I believe You died and rose from the dead for my sake. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious blood. Fill me with Your Spirit, and help me to follow You all the days of my life. In Your most precious name I pray.

I would like to hear from you if you just prayed this prayer. Please send a mail to pastortaiwo@tfolc.org