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Jesus holding a cup at the table with the apostles after the Passover meal, as they respond to his words about the new covenant and an unnamed betrayer.

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The Cup and Troubled Questions

Luke 22:7-23

The Big Idea

Jesus’ words made the apostles stop and think. We can listen carefully, remember Jesus, and bring troubled questions to God and trusted adults.

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The Bible Story

The Last Supper

Luke 22:20–23 describes what happened after the meal. Jesus took the cup and said that it was the new covenant in his blood, poured out for them. He then said that the hand of the one who betrays him was with him at the table. The apostles began asking one another which of them could do this. This moment follows Jesus’ words about sharing the Passover with them before he suffered, the cup shared earlier, and the bread he gave them while asking them to remember him. In this passage, Luke does not name the betrayer. The account keeps the focus on Jesus’ words, the cup, the table, and the apostles’ troubled questions. The blood is mentioned as part of Jesus’ words about the new covenant; it does not need to be shown graphically. “Betrayal” can be explained simply as choosing to act against someone. Read the passage carefully and keep the later events outside this scene.

Themes

Betrayal among those sharing the mealJesus’ coming sufferingPassover remembranceRemembrance of JesusThe new covenant

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Luke 22:20–23 describes what happened after the meal. Jesus took the cup and said that it was the new covenant in his blood, poured out for them. He then said that the hand of the one who betrays him was with him at the table. The apostles began asking one another which of them could do this. This moment follows Jesus’ words about sharing the Passover with them before he suffered, the cup shared earlier, and the bread he gave them while asking them to remember him. In this passage, Luke does not name the betrayer. The account keeps the focus on Jesus’ words, the cup, the table, and the apostles’ troubled questions. The blood is mentioned as part of Jesus’ words about the new covenant; it does not need to be shown graphically. “Betrayal” can be explained simply as choosing to act against someone. Read the passage carefully and keep the later events outside this scene.

Look closely

What children can notice

After the meal, Jesus holds the cup and identifies it with the new covenant in his blood poured out for them, then says that the hand of the one who betrays him is at the table. The apostles look at one another and begin asking who could do this.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • Why do you think the apostles looked at one another after Jesus spoke?
  • What can help us listen carefully when a Bible passage feels difficult?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Read Luke 22:20–23 with older children. Show the cup and table without graphic imagery or identifying the betrayer. Explain the new covenant and betrayal in simple language, and remind children that this scene comes after the meal. Invite thoughtful questions without adding later events or details from other Gospel accounts.

Source note

From this passage

Luke 22:20-23 · The Last Supper in Luke

After the meal, Jesus holds the cup and identifies it with the new covenant in his blood poured out for them, then says that the hand of the one who betrays him is at the table. The apostles look at one another and begin asking who could do this.

Continue the Story

The Last Supper

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