Book of Luke - Chapter 22 - Verse 18
Meaning
When Jesus said, "For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come," he was referring to the Last Supper, a significant event in Christianity where he shared a final meal with his disciples. The verse can be interpreted as Jesus symbolically looking forward to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. By abstaining from drinking wine until that time, he was emphasizing the importance of this future event and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for humanity. This statement also serves as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and his ultimate purpose of ushering in the kingdom of God through his teachings, death, and resurrection. Overall, this verse highlights the anticipation and significance of the kingdom of God in Christian theology and emphasizes Jesus' role as the bringer of salvation and redemption.
Theological Overview
Jesus' statement in Luke 22:18, "For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come," is a significant and symbolic declaration. The phrase "fruit of the vine" is a common term used in Jewish literature to refer to wine, which has a strong association with celebration and joy. In this context, Jesus is pointing to his upcoming crucifixion and subsequent absence from his disciples. By stating that he will not drink wine again until the kingdom of God is fully established, Jesus is emphasizing the gravity of the events that are about to take place and the anticipation of his return in glory.
From a theological perspective, this verse also alludes to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb mentioned in Revelation 19:9, where believers will rejoice in the presence of Jesus in the kingdom of God. The withholding of wine by Jesus symbolizes a period of waiting and longing for the final consummation of God's kingdom on earth. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to remain vigilant and hopeful for the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.