Gary looks into many verses in the New Testament about whether or not Jesus drank wine with his disciples after His resurrection.
Jesus gave us the meal as a New Covenant meal. And He specifically said the covenant was in the cup—not bread, or meat, or water, or anything else, but the cup which He held. It contained “the fruit of the vine”—that is, wine. This wine was “the new covenant in my blood.” This is to say, the cup was a new version of the old Ark of the Covenant. Instead of the blood of animals being poured on it, it had the symbol of Christ’s blood poured into it—wine. Wine was, therefore, the key symbol for the covenant, a key to understanding the kingdom.
As Passover was eaten in haste with no time for leavened bread, there certainly was no place for fermentation which takes even longer. Wine, therefore—which requires lengthy fermentation—is a symbol of stability, patience, endurance, perfection. These are the attributes of a long- term Kingdom, not people in transition or flux.
As a regular covenant meal, the wine of Communion reminds us of God’s eternal kingdom. We have not yet arrived at its fullness, but we are given a fore-taste of it in the glass of wine. As a covenant meal, we in effect renew that covenant with God and with each other every time we partake of that bread and wine. We renew our faith and affirmation in a long-term outlook of God’s glorious kingdom.
When Jesus switched the emphasis of the Passover meal, he was saying, “Things have changed.” From now on, the focus is not on the types and shadows of God’s kingdom, but about the actual arrival of it. From now on, prepare to live life in God’s kingdom.
What Would Jesus Drink?
Not just another dull book about Christian doctrine and practice; it is a rich and full study of the goodness and grace of God. It is an intensely practical book about the joy of celebration and the blessings of covenant community.
Buy NowGary looks into many verses in the New Testament about whether or not Jesus drank wine with his disciples after His resurrection. At the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus said He would not drink the fruit of the vine again until He drank it new with them in His Father’s Kingdom (Matthew 26:29). This verse is often used as an argument against preterism, but is it really?