The Hidden Meaning Behind Jesus' Words in the Last Supper: Luke 22:18

Many Christians may not be aware of the profound significance behind one of the most pivotal moments in the Last Supper—Luke 22:18. Jesus' declaration, "For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come", encapsulates a layer of divine wisdom that extends beyond the surface.

Comparisons with Adam and Eve and the Firstborn Child

When we delve deeper, it becomes evident that this statement holds a rich tapestry of theological importance. In the beginning, God offered Adam and Eve the gift that He would later offer to Jesus. Yet, Adam and Eve faltered, leading to the loss of their chance to enter the Kingdom of God. In striking contrast, Jesus accepted this divine offer, fulfilling the pathway to candidacy for the Kingdom. This acceptance marks Jesus as the Messiah, for as the passage in Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, and Luke 22:18 clearly outlines, it was a crucial element of His divine mission.

The Transfiguration and Jesus' Role as the Messiah

The Transfiguration further underlines Jesus' role as the Messiah. During this pivotal event, Moses and Elijah, figures of great spiritual significance, testified to Jesus. This suggests a profound depth of spiritual understanding that the Apostles, at the time, were yet to fully embrace. As the passage notes, Moses and Elijah "glowed brightly," indicating their rebirth or transformation. However, Jesus had already achieved a full transformation before His baptism by John the Baptist.

The Last Supper as a Passover Seder

When we consider the Last Supper within the context of a Passover Seder, Jesus' actions and words take on even greater meaning. In the Gospel accounts of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, the Last Supper is described as a Passover Seder. This context is crucial because in Jerusalem, during the time where the story of Jesus transpired, this meal would have been a reminder of the sacrificial lamb, which was a central feature of the Passover celebration. By breaking the bread and sharing it, Jesus is invoking the idea of the afikomen, the final piece of matzo traditionally eaten at the Seder meal.

The Religious Significance of Wine and Symbolism

The wine that Jesus shared during the Last Supper also held profound religious significance. The Seder ritual includes four cups of wine, with the third cup, the Cup of Redemption, being especially significant. Jesus' declaration about drinking the fruit of the vine is directly related to this third cup, symbolizing the redemption that He would soon offer through His sacrifice. By sharing this wine, Jesus aligns Himself with the Messiah who would redeem humanity through His ultimate sacrifice.

The Missing Fourth Cup and Foretelling of the Future

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Seder ritual during the Last Supper is the absence of the Fourth Cup—the Cup of Anticipation. This cup is typically drunk after the meal as a symbol of looking forward to the return of Elijah and the coming of the Messiah. However, in the Synoptic Gospels, Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, and the Messiah has come in the form of Jesus. This makes the symbolic act of drinking the Fourth Cup obsolete, reinforcing the notion that the Messianic era has already begun.

In conclusion, the words of Jesus in Mark 14:25, Luke 22:18, and Matthew 26:29 offer a window into the profound spiritual and theological understanding that shaped the events of the Last Supper. These events, deeply rooted in the Passover Seder and the symbolic significance of bread and wine, point to the divine mission and sacrifice of Jesus. From the initial offer to Adam and Eve to the transformation witnessed during the Transfiguration, and his role as the Messiah, Jesus' words and actions stand as a testament to the enduring commitment of God and His redemptive plan for humanity.