During the last supper, Jesus gathered with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them in a very significant way. He declared that the bread represented his body and the cup of wine his blood. This meal was not just a one time event but something Jesus commanded his disciples to do often. Nick and Tim continue the study by looking closely at the symbology of the cup and the importance of the new covenant.
Study aids
Bread & Wine Parallel Records Handout
Key verse
“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””
1 Corinthians 11:25
Cup of Wine
Cup symbolizes ones portion or lot in life (Psalm 16:5; Psalm 11:6)
The word “wine” is never used… cup or fruit of the vine.
New Covenant
Christ said, this cup is the new covenant in my blood.
The book of the law was the book of the covenant (Ex 24)
But there was a problem, with the old covenant it could not save. Gal 3:11,21
The new covenant was then established in Faith and could offer salvation. Heb 8:7-13
This cup of wine therefore spoke of this new covenant that could save and provide forgiveness of sins.
How was it possible?
Christ said, new covenant “in my blood”
Blood in scripture represents life Lev. 17:11-14. Could not eat blood under the law.
Christ lived a perfect life of obedience 1 Peter 2:21-24 cp. 1 Peter 1:19 “precious blood of Jesus Christ.”
Thereby we have forgiveness of sins 1 John 1:7 for it cleanses or purifies the conscience.
However not available to all
Must be in Christ Gal. 3:14
How? By baptism Gal. 3:27
Share in fellowship
1 Cor. 10:16
Fellowship with God Eph. 2:13