Luke 22:18 – “For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus tells His disciples that He will not drink wine again until the kingdom of God is fulfilled. This statement reflects both a sense of finality and a future promise. Jesus is sharing His last meal with His disciples before His crucifixion, but He is also pointing forward to a future time when God’s kingdom will be fully established.
The “fruit of the vine” refers to wine, which was a common part of meals in Jewish culture and played a central role in the Passover meal. Jesus’ decision to abstain from wine until the coming of God’s kingdom shows that this moment is more than a farewell—it’s part of God’s larger plan of redemption. The next time He drinks it will be in celebration, when all of God’s promises have been fulfilled and His people are gathered in His eternal kingdom.
This verse also highlights the seriousness of what is about to happen. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the fact that His death is near, but He assures them that it is not the end. There is a future hope, and they will share in the victory of the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
The Last Supper took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorated God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). The meal included several cups of wine, each with symbolic meaning. By the time of Jesus, this tradition had been observed for over a thousand years, but its full meaning was about to be revealed.
Jesus’ words would have been surprising to the disciples. They were expecting the Passover to be a joyful celebration of God’s past deliverance, but Jesus shifted the focus to the future. He was telling them that His death was imminent, but He also reassured them that His death would lead to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
The concept of the “kingdom of God” was central to Jesus’ teaching. Many Jews at the time believed that the Messiah would establish a political kingdom that would overthrow Roman rule. However, Jesus was talking about a spiritual kingdom that would be fully realized through His death, resurrection, and eventual return.
Theological Implications
This verse points to the future fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. Jesus’ statement about not drinking the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom comes shows that His mission is tied to a larger story. His death and resurrection will usher in the kingdom, but its full realization will occur when He returns.
Theologically, this verse connects to the idea of the “already but not yet” aspect of God’s kingdom. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the kingdom of God has already been inaugurated, but its complete fulfillment will happen in the future. Believers live in this in-between period, experiencing the blessings of the kingdom now while awaiting its full realization.
The abstaining from wine also symbolizes the seriousness of Jesus’ mission. He is fully focused on what lies ahead—His suffering and death. But His willingness to abstain also points to His trust in God’s plan and His anticipation of the joy that will come when the kingdom is fully established.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of the phrase “until the kingdom of God comes” creates a sense of anticipation. The word “until” signals that this is not a permanent farewell but a temporary pause. The narrative builds tension as readers realize that Jesus is about to suffer, but there is hope for a future reunion and celebration.
The reference to wine as the “fruit of the vine” is significant. In the context of the Last Supper, it points to Jesus’ blood, which will be shed for the forgiveness of sins. The wine represents both His sacrifice and the future joy of God’s kingdom. Luke’s phrasing emphasizes the dual nature of the moment—both somber and hopeful.
The act of Jesus abstaining from wine also has symbolic meaning. Wine was often associated with joy and celebration, but Jesus refrains from drinking it as a sign of His focus on the mission ahead. The next time He drinks it will be in the context of victory and fulfillment.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 26:29 – A parallel verse where Jesus says He will not drink wine again until He drinks it new in the Father’s kingdom.
- Isaiah 25:6-8 – A prophecy about a future banquet where death will be swallowed up and God’s people will celebrate with Him.
- Revelation 19:9 – The “wedding supper of the Lamb,” which represents the ultimate celebration of God’s kingdom.
- 1 Corinthians 11:26 – When believers take Communion, they proclaim the Lord’s death until He returns, linking the Lord’s Supper to the future fulfillment of the kingdom.
- John 14:2-3 – Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers and return to take them to be with Him, reinforcing the future hope of God’s kingdom.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. Jesus’ decision to abstain from wine shows that His mission wasn’t just about His death—it was about the victory that would follow. His resurrection and eventual return give believers confidence that God’s promises will be fulfilled.
This verse also highlights the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Just as Jesus looked beyond His suffering to the fulfillment of the kingdom, Christians are called to live with the hope of eternity in mind. Life’s challenges and difficulties are temporary compared to the joy that awaits in God’s kingdom.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to reflect on the significance of Communion. When Christians take the cup, they are not only remembering Jesus’ sacrifice but also anticipating the day when they will share in the final celebration of God’s kingdom. It’s a time to remember the past, experience the present blessings of salvation, and look forward to the future.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in this verse through His desire to share His kingdom with His people. Jesus’ statement about not drinking again until the kingdom comes shows that God’s plan is centered on a future reunion and celebration. He isn’t leaving His followers behind—He is preparing a place for them in His eternal kingdom.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that Jesus willingly embraced suffering for the sake of humanity. His abstention from wine reflects His full commitment to God’s plan, which was motivated by love. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the door for people to experience the blessings of God’s kingdom and eternal life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who brings about the kingdom of God through His sacrifice. His decision to abstain from wine points to His role as the suffering servant, who willingly endured the cross to secure salvation for humanity (Isaiah 53:5). His focus on the future fulfillment of the kingdom shows that His mission didn’t end with His death—it was just the beginning of God’s plan.
The reference to the fruit of the vine also connects to Jesus’ role as the mediator of the new covenant. His blood, symbolized by the wine, establishes the new covenant and provides forgiveness of sins (Luke 22:20). The fact that He will drink it again in the kingdom of God points to the future celebration of victory when believers are gathered with Him.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ promise in John 14:2-3, where He reassures His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them. His return will mark the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and the ultimate celebration with His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ decision to abstain from wine until the kingdom comes encourage you to focus on God’s eternal plan?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- How can you approach Communion with a greater sense of anticipation for the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom?
- In what ways does this verse challenge you to live with an eternal perspective rather than being focused on temporary concerns?
- How does Jesus’ willingness to suffer for the sake of God’s plan inspire you to trust God in your own life?
This verse reminds believers that Jesus’ mission was not only about His death but also about the future victory of God’s kingdom. As we reflect on His sacrifice and look forward to the day when we will celebrate with Him, we are encouraged to live with hope, gratitude, and trust in God’s perfect plan.