COMMON BREAD AND WINE II

Just as the Passover Bread was unleavened (therefore pure and unfermented) and represented the Body of Jesus at the Last Supper when he said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” (Gospel of Matthew 26:26) His body was a symbol of the “pure unblemished lamb” (Exodus 12:5). Jesus also took a cup of wine from the Passover Meal and asked his disciples to drink it saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant in my blood.” (Gospel of Luke 22:20)

There are five cups of wine at a Jewish Passover Meal. They relate to the promises found in Exodus 6:6ff. The Four Cups of Wine consumed with the meal represented the Four Expressions of Redemption mentioned in this Exodus text: 1.‘I will take you out’ 2. ‘I will save you’ 3. I will redeem you’ 4. ‘I will take you for a nation.’ There are various ceremonial expressions with each cup of wine and various kosher foods are eaten. The fourth cup ends with singing ‘the Hallel’ or singing all or portions of Psalms 113-118 or ‘the Great Hallel’ which is Psalm 136. Hallel means praise, prayer and thanksgiving (Hallelujah).

The Fifth Cup of Wine at the Passover Meal that is poured and left untouched is called Elijah’s Cup. According to Judaism “It is left untouched in honor of Elijah, who, according to tradition, will arrive one day as an unknown guest to herald the advent of the messiah.” (Jewish Library)

When Jesus said, “Take this cup and share it among yourselves. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many. Truly I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again, until that day when I drink it, new, in the kingdom of God.” (Gospel of Mark 14:23-25) I believe with every eye was on him and while it was stone quiet the cup that Jesus passed around was Elijah’s Cup: the Messiah had come. “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Gospel of Luke 22:20 “After singing a hymn (the Hallel) they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (14:26) The Common Wine is common no more.

“Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus