“For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.”– Luke 22:18 (KJV)
“For I tell you now that I won’t drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”– Luke 22:18 (NLT)
“I assure you that I won’t drink wine again until God’s kingdom comes.”– Luke 22:18 (MSG)
What Does Luke 22:18 Mean?
When we examine Luke 22:18, we see a profound message from Jesus during the Last Supper, a significant moment before his crucifixion. This verse signifies a special time where Jesus emphasizes the coming of God’s kingdom. Drinking wine, a common practice in that era, symbolizes joy and fellowship. By choosing not to partake until the kingdom arrives, Jesus communicates his focus on God’s plan and mission. He is preparing his followers for what is to come, presenting a moment marked by both seriousness and hope.
The phrase “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine” is not merely about abstaining from wine; it also reflects Jesus’ commitment to fulfill God’s will. He knows he is on the brink of suffering, and this abstention serves to highlight the gravity of the events unfolding. The message emphasizes that while he sacrifices himself and engages in this divine plan, there will be a future time of celebration in God’s kingdom. We can understand that this moment isn’t just an end but rather a beginning of something wonderful to come.
Luke 22:18 Explanation and Commentary
Understanding Luke 22:18 goes beyond just reading the text. It invites us to reflect on the intentions behind Jesus’ words and the broader context. Jesus’ promise not to drink wine again until God’s kingdom arrives is filled with anticipation. By acknowledging the coming of the Kingdom, we are reminded that our faith centers on hope and expectation. This is an assurance for all believers that we share in the future joy of God’s reign together. This verse is part of the Last Supper, which signifies unity and preparation among Jesus and his disciples.
The Last Supper takes on a crucial role in Christianity. It acts as the foundation for the practice of Communion or the Eucharist, where believers commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice. When we acknowledge what Jesus is conveying in Luke 22:18, we are also called to understand the importance of communion. We partake in the bread and the cup, reminiscent of Jesus’ actions during this meal. This ritual unites us with him and with each other, reinforcing our shared faith.
Jesus, in his lifetime, made several references to the Kingdom of God, often inviting people to repent and believe in the good news. Here, he points to a reality that transcends earthly experiences. It highlights that suffering and sacrifice are not the end; they make way for hope, renewal, and ultimately everlasting joy. The faith we carry conveys that trust in Jesus transforms our understanding of sacrifice. As we wait for his return, he encourages us to continue gathering, sharing, loving, and building the Kingdom of God right here on earth.
Context of Luke 22:18
The context surrounding Luke 22:18 is the Last Supper, which occurs shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion. This event is crucial for understanding the significance of Jesus’ choice to abstain from drinking wine. Theologians and biblical scholars emphasize this event as a turning point in the history of salvation. As Jesus shares this notable meal with his disciples, he prepares to fulfill God’s purpose through his impending sacrifice. The verse reinforces the transition between the old covenant and the new covenant, which revolves around belief and trust in Jesus as the Messiah.
This passage is set during the Passover feast, a time of remembrance for the Jewish people. Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. By celebrating this meal with his disciples, Jesus is, in essence, redefining what it means to be in fellowship with God. He prepares his followers for a new understanding of God’s kingdom, an invitation for everyone, including the marginalized and lost. Thus, Luke 22:18 can be seen as both a completion of the past and a hopeful foretelling of what is to come.
As we consider the context, we should also look at other verses surrounding this moment. In Luke 22:17, Jesus shares the cup, emphasizing to his disciples that it holds a significant meaning. He was not merely sharing a meal; he was providing them a glimpse into the communion that believers would engage with in the years to follow. Jesus also knows that betrayal is imminent, further heightening the gravity of these moments. His reassurance regarding the future is his way of reminding the disciples that their time together will not end in despair.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 22:18
We can break down Luke 22:18 into key components that reveal its depth and importance. The opening phrase, “For I say unto you,” illustrates Jesus giving an important proclamation, indicating he’s about to share something significant. This opening holds weight because it signals that his words require attention. Jesus speaks with authority, and his followers are called to listen intently. Each segment of his statement contributes to our understanding of his role as the Messiah.
The phrase “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine” is a notable declaration. It doesn’t simply indicate abstention but emphasizes purpose and intention. This absence of drinking speaks directly to the future kingdom’s arrival that he refers to. This foreshadows a time when Jesus will gather with his followers again in perfect fellowship, in an eternal celebration of joy that surpasses earthly experiences.
In emphasizing the line “until the kingdom of God shall come,” Jesus underlines the eschatological significance of his mission. Our understanding of God’s kingdom draws from how we interpret Scripture. It serves as a reminder that we live in hope, anticipating events yet to come. The promise of a future filled with God’s presence encourages us to maintain our faith and steadfastness, even when faced with trials. Just as the early disciples awaited the arrival of Jesus’ kingdom, we too are called to remain watchful and faithful.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 22:18
Reflecting on Luke 22:18 presents us with numerous valuable lessons. Above all, we observe the meaning of anticipation and hope. Jesus reassures us that waiting for God’s fulfillment is an essential part of our faith journey. We are reminded that life may have its challenges, yet through Jesus, we find comfort and reassurance of something better to come. His decision to abstain from drinking wine signifies sacrifice but also emphasizes the need for us to stay faithful while we wait.
Another lesson involves our call to practice communion. Gathering as a community of believers mirrors what Jesus established during the Last Supper. When we share communion, we not only remember Christ’s sacrifice but also celebrate the hope and unity that comes from being part of the body of Christ. In the same spirit, we are encouraged to build relationships, support one another, and foster a sense of belonging in the family of believers. The act of communion serves as both a remembrance and an anticipation of Jesus’ return, which binds us together.
Additionally, we learn about God’s presence in our lives. The emphasis on Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of God illustrates God’s engaging nature, as he longs for relationship with us. By choosing to walk alongside a community of believers, we are invited to experience God’s love and grace continually. This companionship strengthens our faith, and we are challenged to reflect that love to those around us. We each play a role in pointing others towards God’s kingdom by demonstrating compassion, wisdom, and love.
Final Thoughts
Luke 22:18 invites us to ponder on its significance as we engage with the teachings of Jesus. As we reflect on his words, we are reminded of the essence of hope, anticipation, and the love that emanates from God. This verse illustrates Jesus preparing his followers for an important transition through his imminent sacrifice. We share in this anticipation, hoping for the day when we join him in celebration. It invites us into a profound relationship that leads to transformation and community.
Our faith calls us to remain steadfast and united, sharing in each moment together and celebrating the joy that comes with faith. As we continue to engage with Scriptures, let us remember the promise of God’s kingdom and the communal aspect of sharing in fellowship. Jesus called us to live in anticipation while honoring the present. So let us encourage one another, holding fast to the hope that fills our hearts as we await the reign of God and His eternal joy. For further exploration, consider reading more about other meaningful passages here and developing a deeper understanding of communion in our faith.