Passover and the Blood of the Covenant

Jesus’ disciples prepare the Passover, and at the meal Jesus announces that one of the Twelve will betray him. Taking bread, he blesses, breaks, and gives it as his body. Taking the cup, he gives thanks and says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” He then looks ahead to drinking anew in the kingdom of God.

Where this fits in the story: Passover recalls deliverance through sacrificial blood in Exodus 12, while “blood of the covenant” directly recalls Moses’ words in Exodus 24:8 when Sinai’s covenant was ratified. “For many” also resonates strongly with Isaiah 53’s servant, though the exact degree of verbal dependence should be stated carefully.