At the Last Supper, Jesus established a new covenant—one that replaced the old system of laws and sacrifices with grace, forgiveness, and direct access to God. This covenant, sealed with His own blood, fulfills ancient promises and offers you full forgiveness, a transformed heart, and a personal relationship with God. It’s not just a religious moment—it’s the foundation of the Christian faith and your invitation to a new life.
Understanding what Jesus meant by “This is my blood of the covenant” changes how you view communion, the cross, and your walk with God. It’s not about rituals; it’s about relationship. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what makes this covenant so powerful and how it can reshape your faith from the inside out.
If you’ve ever taken communion at church and wondered what it really means, you’re not alone. The Last Supper wasn’t just Jesus sharing a final meal with His disciples. It was the moment He established a new covenant—a life-altering promise between God and humanity. Understanding this covenant is key to understanding the core of the Christian faith.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly.
What Is a Covenant in the Bible?
Before jumping into the Last Supper, it helps to know what a covenant is.
In the Bible, a covenant is a sacred agreement between God and His people. It’s not like a contract you can break without consequence. Covenants are binding, relational, and meant to last. They often include:
- Promises from God
- Obligations for people
- A sign or symbol to seal the deal
Examples include:
- Noah’s covenant – God promised never to flood the whole earth again (Genesis 9:13 – marked by the rainbow).
- Abraham’s covenant – God promised Abraham would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17).
- Mosaic covenant – The Law given to Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19–24), sealed with blood and obedience.
But all of those were leading to something greater—a new covenant.
What Happened at the Last Supper?
The Last Supper is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13–17), but Luke and Matthew give the clearest statements about the covenant.
Jesus sat with His disciples during the Passover meal—the annual remembrance of how God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt. This was already a meal rich with covenant meaning.
Then Jesus did something radical.
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” — Luke 22:20 (NIV)
He took bread and broke it, saying it was His body. Then He took a cup of wine and said it was His blood. This wasn’t just symbolism. Jesus was redefining the Passover and launching a new covenant—with His own blood as the seal.
The New Covenant: What Makes It New?
Let’s compare the old covenant and the new covenant to understand the difference.
1. The Old Covenant (Mosaic)
- Based on the Law (Exodus 20 and following)
- Required human obedience to maintain favor with God
- Involved animal sacrifices for forgiveness
- Had a physical temple, priests, and rituals
- Was temporary and pointed forward to something better
2. The New Covenant (Jesus’ Covenant)
- Based on grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)
- Jesus obeyed perfectly on our behalf
- His once-for-all sacrifice replaces animal offerings (Hebrews 10:10)
- Believers become a living temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- Offers complete forgiveness and a changed heart
This was prophesied long before Jesus came.
“I will make a new covenant… I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts… I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” — Jeremiah 31:31–34
Jesus fulfilled that promise.
Why Blood? The Role of Sacrifice
You might wonder: Why did Jesus have to die? Couldn’t God just forgive us without blood?
Hebrews 9:22 answers that:
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11). In the Old Testament, priests offered animal blood to cover people’s sins. But those sacrifices were temporary.
Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), shed His own blood to offer permanent, perfect forgiveness.
His death didn’t just cover sins—it removed them for good (Hebrews 10:14).
What Does This Covenant Mean for You?
Here’s where it gets personal. The new covenant isn’t just theology—it’s an invitation to a completely transformed life. When you accept this covenant, here’s what becomes true for you:
1. You’re Fully Forgiven
No more guilt hanging over your head. Jesus paid for it all. That includes:
- Past mistakes
- Present struggles
- Future failures
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
2. You Have a New Heart
God gives you His Spirit. You start to want what He wants.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” — Ezekiel 36:26
3. You Have Direct Access to God
No more going through priests. You can talk to God anytime.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” — Hebrews 4:16
4. You’re Part of a New Family
Everyone in the new covenant becomes part of God’s people—His Church.
What Communion Really Means
Every time you take communion (also called the Lord’s Supper), you’re remembering this covenant.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” — Luke 22:19
It’s not just a ritual. It’s a declaration that:
- You belong to Jesus.
- You’re covered by His blood.
- You’re part of the new covenant.
Paul adds in 1 Corinthians 11:26 that when you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
It’s past, present, and future all at once:
- Past: Jesus died for you.
- Present: You live under grace.
- Future: He’s coming back.
Quick Recap: Key Facts
Here’s a summary you can take with you:
| Old Covenant | New Covenant |
| Based on Law | Based on Grace |
| Animal blood | Jesus’ blood |
| Temporary | Eternal |
| External obedience | Internal transformation |
| Priest-mediated | Direct access to God |
Final Thoughts
Understanding the covenant Jesus established at the Last Supper is essential for understanding your faith. It’s not just a historical event—it’s your invitation to a new life.
When Jesus said, “This is my blood of the covenant” (Matthew 26:28), He was doing something no religious teacher had ever done: He offered Himself as the final sacrifice. He gave us a new way to relate to God—not through rules, but through relationship.
So next time you take communion, don’t just go through the motions. Remember the covenant. Reflect on what Jesus did. And live like someone who’s been set free.
Suggested Reading:
- Hebrews 8–10 – Full explanation of the new covenant
- Exodus 24 – Establishment of the old covenant
- Luke 22 & 1 Corinthians 11 – The Last Supper accounts
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or a Bible study guide based on this!
🔍 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the covenant Jesus made at the Last Supper?
It’s the new covenant Jesus established with His disciples, symbolized by His body (bread) and blood (wine), offering forgiveness of sins and a new relationship with God through His sacrifice.
2. How is the new covenant different from the old covenant?
The old covenant was based on law and repeated animal sacrifices. The new covenant is based on grace and Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice, offering full forgiveness and internal transformation.
3. Why did Jesus use bread and wine at the Last Supper?
Bread symbolized His body, and wine His blood—both given for our redemption. These elements were used to help His followers remember His sacrifice.
4. What does communion mean for Christians today?
Communion is a remembrance of Jesus’ death, a celebration of the new covenant, and a declaration of ongoing faith until He returns.
5. Was the new covenant predicted in the Old Testament?
Yes. Jeremiah 31:31–34 prophesied a new covenant where God would forgive sins and write His law on people’s hearts.
6. Why is blood so important in biblical covenants?
Blood symbolized life and was used to seal covenants. In the new covenant, Jesus’ blood was the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for sin.
7. Do Christians still need to follow Old Testament laws?
Christians are no longer under the old covenant law. Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17), and believers now live under grace through faith.
8. Is the new covenant only for Jews or for everyone?
It’s for everyone who believes in Jesus. Both Jews and Gentiles are invited into this covenant through faith.
9. What does it mean that Jesus is the “Lamb of God”?
It means He is the final sacrifice for sin, replacing the need for animal offerings. His death provides complete forgiveness.
10. How should I respond to the new covenant?
By trusting in Jesus, accepting His gift of grace, and living in a relationship with Him. It begins with faith and leads to a transformed life.
