And He Took the Cup

Recently, many around the world celebrated Easter Weekend. Some, in the week leading up to Easter, recounted the Passover, a millennia-old tradition commemorating God’s miraculous deliverance. Many Christians have recognized the Passover rituals as prefiguring and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Churches observe the Lord’s (Last) Supper regularly, during which oft-repeated Scriptures are used to signify Christ’s broken body and spilt blood. 

This was Jesus’ understanding as well, as He made a final statement for the service signifying His death, though clearly missed by those in attendance. Many of us recite these references and recognize their contextual significance, but miss the second and equally important message stated.

It was a Thursday evening. Matthew 26:26-30 portrayed the fundamental elements of this period which are mirrored and expanded in Mark 14, as well as Luke 22. The gospel of John alludes to it in chapter 13 of his discourse, but makes no reference to the supper and the wine. Earlier that day, Jesus and HIs disciples gathered together in an upper room. First, the disciples took part in the foot washing service, commonly known as the ordinance of humility. Took part in is a grossly inaccurate description, as their Master served them, though they were reluctant.

There followed the actual meal in which they took bread representing Christ’s body. Verse 27 of Matthew 26 opens in quite dramatic fashion — “and He took the cup”. There is symbolism in this phrase, one that hints beyond the primary portrayal of the juice representing Christ’s spilled blood. 

After they had sung a hymn, John in chapters 14-16 transcribes a powerful vesper devotional during which He built on the eternal theme of the vine, as the group meandered to the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ, then retired to a section of the garden for a season of intercessory prayer, as recorded in John 17, which not only included those present, but all of His followers to the end time.

However, as the night deepened, HIs prayer became more agonal even to the point of what some have termed hematohidrosis—the sweating of drops of blood, as He pled with his Father. John and James would have been more reticent to offer their brash, self-serving request. Matthew 26:39 describes the climactic moment of His prayer, which immediately preceded the rapid sequence of events culminating in what we know now as Good Friday. “O My Father, it it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt”. He accepted His Father’s will—He took the cup for you and for me!

September 11, 2001 changed life forever as we once knew it. For those older than 20 years old, that day lives on in infamy and the memories are myriad of that day and subsequent events. Since then, Americans commemorate that day, as they anticipate a “more perfect union” and “domestic Tranquility”. Besides this memorial, Christians worldwide have a unique and dual experience each time we take the cup and take part in the Lord’s supper. We commemorate the death of Christ and simultaneously anticipate His second coming.

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11: 16