Something to Sing About

What did Jesus mean when He said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood’?"

At the Last Supper, Jesus took a cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” [1]

The “new covenant” contrasts with the old. The old covenant established laws and ceremonies that separated the Jews from the other nations, defined sin, and showcased God’s provision of forgiveness through sacrifice. Jesus established a “better covenant” in His blood. [2]

Jesus shed His blood on the cross to take away the sins of the world. [3]

On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took the cup and said to His disciples, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” [4]

The contents of the cup was representative of His blood. It was to be drunk in remembrance of our Savior and to proclaim Jesus’ death until He returns. [5]

The new covenant is based on faith in the shed blood of Christ to take away sin.

Jesus is the Lamb of God. His one-time sacrifice is sufficient to atone for the sins of all who believe in Him. We “partake” of Jesus by receiving Him by faith [6], and by trusting that His sacrifice is sufficient to pay for our sins.

As we eat the bread and drink the drink in communion with other believers, we affirm our faith and fellowship in Christ.

Acts 2:42 describes the early Church as continuing “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (they pointed people to Jesus) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Jesus overcame the crucifixion and death. He paid the redemptive price for every believer in Him with His blood. He placed His guarantee on us His Church when He said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” [7]

That is something to sing about!

“I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” [8]

In fact, before Jesus and His disciples left the meal table that night, they sang a hymn. [9]

[1] Luke 22:20
[2] Hebrews 7:22
[3] John 1:29
[4] Matthew 26:27–28
[5] 1 Corinthians 11:25-26
[6] John 1:12
[7] Matthew 16:18
[8] Psalm 13:6
[9] Matthew 26:30