Command 42: Take, Eat, and Drink
Study Question
Q: According to all of the Gospels, Jesus gave the cup to His disciples to drink, but He Himself did not drink. Why? (See Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, and Luke 22:16–18.)
A: The spiritual illumination that should take place during communion is clearly illustrated during the Last Supper. It was at this communion table that Jesus revealed He would have His body broken and His blood “shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). He also revealed the true nature of His disciples: one would betray Him, all would forsake Him, and one would deny Him three times before that night was over.
In the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper, Jesus stated that He would not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the day He drank it anew in His Father’s kingdom. (See Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, and Luke 22:18).
Luke’s account records these words of Jesus: “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come” (Luke 22:18). After communion, Jesus expanded this statement, saying, “Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom …” (Luke 22:28–30).
Jesus used the last meal He shared with His disciples to open their spiritual eyes to see the magnitude of God’s plan for them. By not drinking of the cup, He focused their attention beyond the agony of the cross to the glories that would be theirs throughout eternity.
This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 6, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.