But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom. –Matthew 26:29
When believers observe Communion, they perform a symbolic act where sins are confessed, hearts are prepared, and the sacrifice of Jesus is remembered. It’s a spiritually intimate encounter with God, not to be taken lightly or without meaning. It’s a moment taken to remember the past, contemplate our present, and look to our future.
As the return of our Lord draws near, the future significance of Communion jumps off the pages of Scripture. 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” It’s a small reference with big promise found in three words: “till He comes.” Jesus said that He would not drink the fruit of the vine again until He drinks with us in His Father’s kingdom. What a beautiful promise.
In a time when so many people find it difficult to wait, when the idea of abstinence is foreign and revolting to our culture, Jesus, who is called faithful and true, waits for us. He waits for that day when we can once again have true communion with Him. Let us also hope for that day, the day when our Savior, having ridden in on a white horse, sits down and shares His cup once again.
“And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes”
(1 Corinthians 11:24-26).
Photos by Vitaly Manzuk