I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26:29, ESV)
In many athletic contests, the victor’s award comes as a “Cup.” I’m sure you can name the sports for the Stanley Cup, Davis Cup, Breeder’s Cup, FedEx Cup, President’s Cup, and Ryder Cup. There are many more.
These “Cups” are treasured hardware to the champions. The victors’ celebration is often marked by ceremonially drinking from their hard-earned prized possession. It matters not how unwieldy the trophy cup is, even at the risk of cutting a lip or chipping a tooth.
I recently viewed a YouTube video of European golfers dancing the night away with their wives/girlfriends, taking turns clumsily drinking from their newly won Ryder Cup.
Why would one drink from a trophy cup when a red solo cup would be much handier? We know the answer. There is a significant symbolic meaning for the competitors to drink from the trophy!
It has nothing to do with the need to replenish the body with needed fluids or quench one’s thirst. It is a show…a triumphant symbolic reward for contending, striving for, and winning that victory!
Scripture also tells us about a “Cup.” Descriptive references include: “Cup of His wrath” (Isaiah 51:17), “Cup of the wine of wrath…they shall drink and stagger and be crazed” (Jeremiah 25:15-16), “Cup of horror and desolation” (Ezekiel 23:33), “Cup of utter shame” (Habakkuk 2:16), “Cup of His anger” (Revelation 14:10), “Cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath” (Revelation 16:9). It’s not hard to get the picture. This is not a cup we want any part of.
Jesus is well aware of this cup. “And going a little farther, he fell on His face and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will…Again, for a second time, He went away and prayed, My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:39,42, ESV).
Even though Jesus didn’t deserve the wrath of God, he knew that was His purpose. When Peter defended Him upon His arrest in the Garden, Jesus said, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?” (John 18:11, ESV)
Earlier Jesus had asked the sons of Zebedee, “Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink? They said to Him, “We are able.”” (Matthew 20:22, ESV)
Each time we go to the Lord’s Table, let us consider two Cups: The Cup we deserve is the Cup of his Wrath for violating his commandments. However, The Cup we are offered is the Cup of his Grace, symbolic of his covenantal blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. And the only reason we can drink of this second Cup is that Jesus drank the Cup of God’s Wrath for us.
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” (Luke 22:20, ESV)
I can only imagine the victory party in His kingdom…a party that will never end.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for drinking from The Cup of God’s Wrath that we might drink from The Cup of your Grace!