The Cup of the New Covenant

A. THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FRUIT OF THE VINE:

Scriptural References:

1. “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)
2. “Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.” (John 2:7-8)

Scriptural Context:
As we explore the profound symbolism of the fruit of the vine, let us turn our attention to the transformative power embedded in the act of turning water into wine. In the Gospel of Matthew, we witness Jesus, at the Last Supper, presenting the cup as a representation of His blood—the blood of the new covenant, poured out for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:27-28). In the Gospel of John, we encounter Jesus’ first miracle, where He turns water into wine at a wedding feast, signifying not only His ability to provide abundantly but also removing shame from a bride (John 2:7-8).

B. THE FALL AND THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF NEW WINE:

1. THE FALL AND THE NEED FOR REDEMPTION:

• “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
• “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

2. NEW WINE AND THE REDEMPTIVE WORK OF JESUS:

• “Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17)

In the beginning, the fruit of the vine took a dark turn in the garden, as man succumbed to the allure of sin, bringing about the need for redemption. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, articulates the universality of sin, emphasizing the fallen state of humanity (Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23). However, Jesus, through His redemptive work, introduces new wine, a transformative power that necessitates new vessels. In Matthew 9:17, Jesus explains the incompatibility of old vessels with new wine, illustrating the need for a complete renewal—a new birth.

C. THE SYMBOLISM OF WATER AND WINE:

1. WATER INTO WINE – THE BEGINNING AND THE END:

• “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” (John 2:1-2)

2. JESUS AS THE TRUE VINE – ABIDING IN HIM:

• “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” (John 15:1)

3. WINE INTO WATER – REDEMPTION AND CLEANSING:

• “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” (John 19:34)

In the Gospel of John, we witness the symbolism of water and wine. In the beginning, Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana, signifying His transformative power and the joyous celebration of new beginnings (John 2:1-2). Fast forward to the crucifixion, and we encounter a soldier piercing Jesus’ side, from which flows both blood and water (John 19:34). This moment signifies not only the sacrificial shedding of Jesus’ blood for our sins but also the cleansing and purification represented by the water.

Linking back to John 15:1, Jesus introduces another layer of symbolism, referring to Himself as the true vine. This declaration emphasizes the vital connection between believers and Him as the source of life and transformation. The imagery of the vine further reinforces the themes of growth, sustenance, and the fruitful abundance that emanates from abiding in Christ. Just as Jesus initiated the transformation of water into wine, He now invites us to partake in the transformative journey symbolized by the true vine, drawing life, sustenance, and cleansing from Him.

D. CHOOSING THE NEW WINE OVER THE OLD:

Scriptural References:

1. “And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.” (Luke 5:37-38)

In Luke 5:37-38, Jesus imparts a valuable lesson about the significance of choosing the new wine over the old. Just as new wine requires new vessels to preserve its potency, our journey of faith calls for a continuous renewal and openness to the transformative work of Christ. The old, symbolic of our pre-redemption state, must give way to the new—the new creation in Christ, wherein the preservation of His transformative power is ensured.

E. DRINKING DEEPLY FROM THE CUP OF THE NEW COVENANT:

Scriptural Reference:

1. “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

In 1 Corinthians 11:25, the apostle Paul underscores the significance of drinking deeply from the cup of the New Covenant in remembrance of Christ. This act is not merely a ritual but a profound acknowledgment of the redemptive power of the blood of Christ.

In conclusion, as we explore the rich symbolism of the fruit of the vine, we should continue to recognize the thread that weaves through Scripture—beginning with the fall, passing through the redemptive work of Christ, and culminating in the choice to embrace the new wine offered in the new covenant. Let us drink deeply from the cup, remembering the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the joyous celebration of new beginnings.