“When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Luke 22.14-18
In no way could anyone human have expected this would be the way Christ would die. Perhaps John the Baptizer knew, maybe Mary understood her son would suffer, but only Jesus knew the true extent of his sacrifice, that he alone would carry the burden to save humanity.
And the symbolism of what he would do begins with the Last Supper. Here in Luke we read first about the preparation of the room and then of the conversation around the table. Jesus expressed his desire to share in his final Passover with his disciples. Why? Because they were brothers? Friends? Companions? Jesus had no one closer than these men (and some women) who walked with him for three years. They saw so much together. Shared experiences, joys, frustrations, they walked with God together.
And finally, nearing the end of his freedom, he expresses love for them. And, always a teacher, tells them this is his final Passover until “it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Meaning, his sacrifice would fulfill all the Law and the Prophets, would restore humanity to a right relationship with God and would bring to the world a completion to God’s work.
Jesus takes the cup, giving thanks to God gives it to the disciples to divide among themselves and reiterates “I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Jesus’ end was near. His suffering would culminate in an execution almost too great to imagine.
But I want to focus upon the cup extended and the cup taken. Jesus gives the invitation for each of us to follow him into celebration and suffering. He invites us to partake in his life. The fullness of the joy of walking with God is nothing compared to the suffering which is required. Here in Zimbabwe, I see much poverty and suffering yet I also see a joy, a happiness, a fulfillment of a life with God. The team with me is nothing short of incredible. They are learning, experiencing and being shaped by the Spirit in ways which will never be forgotten and will impact their lives and ministries for years to come.
This is all because Jesus offered the cup to join him in his journey. I accepted that cup and find myself at 57 still leading teams to this amazing continent. Sacrificing time with my wife and family, fulfilling that which God has called me to be. It’s both a beautiful and a fearsome endeavor — to drink from the cup which Christ offered.
The cup is offered.
The invitation extended
Love reached forth
Grace commended.
The blood was shed
Upon the wooden cross
For the shame of the world
My life was lost.
And Jesus redeemed
He came to save
In utter amazment
He rose from the grace
“Come Lord Jesus. Fill me up. I am so thankful or your loving kindness. Thank you for doing what I could not do on my own. I love your Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen