The Passover Cups of Wine and Communion
There are four cups of wine represented at the Passover Seder. But what is the connection between the Passover cups of wine and communion?
We know that Passover is still relevant for us today, as the Lord asked His people to observe and remember this festival forever…
“Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.’”
—Exodus 6:6-7
Therefore, we can look at these Passover cups of wine to tell us a story of God’s redemptive work and the blessings He releases to those who are in a covenant relationship with Him.
The Symbolism of Wine in the Bible
Wine is a royal drink that symbolizes freedom. Knowing this, we can begin to understand the significance of the wine and its connection to Passover and communion.
Wine is mentioned throughout Scripture about…
- Abundance
- Celebration
- Blessings
- Prophecy
- Judgment
- Communion
Wine in God’s Word
Wine and Abundance in the Bible
“Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.”
—Genesis 27:28
Isaac declares this blessing over his son Jacob. This passage proclaims God’s rich bounty. It also reflects the covenant promise that God made to Abraham.
Wine and Celebration in the Bible
“But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.”
—Isaiah 62:9
God tells us that Israel’s oppressors will no longer rob “grain or wine” from them. Instead, they will eat and drink in His Courts of Sanctuary. Restoration and reclaiming of blessings are certainly a cause for celebration for those in a covenant relationship with the Lord!
Wine and Blessings in the Bible
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
—Proverbs 3:9-10
The first part of this passage instructs us to trust and honor God with our possessions. Practically speaking, we can show generosity toward others as a way to express worship and wholehearted trust in the Lord. The heart behind this giving spirit is from a place of confidence that God’s resources are never-ending and that what we give is directly from Him. As a result, He will “overflow” our cup.
When we are in a covenant relationship with the Lord, we understand we have every spiritual blessing available to us (see Ephesians 1:3).
Wine and Prophecies in the Bible
“The Lord will answer and say to His people, ‘Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.’”
—Joel 2:19
God promises to restore prosperity to those who turn to Him and judge those who are against them. Because of the covenant relationship, we can anticipate blessings and prosperity when we turn and trust in Him.
Wine and Judgment in the Bible
“For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is fully mixed, and He pours it out; surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth drain and drink down. But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.”
—Psalm 75:8-9
God will demonstrate his judgment upon those who rebel against Him and reject Him. But for those who praise Him and find their identity in Christ, we can rejoice in the judgment because we know His wrath has been satisfied (see 1 John 4:10).
Wine and Communion in the Bible
“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’”
—Matthew 26:27-28
Scholars believe the cup Jesus referred to in Matthew 26 was the cup of redemption—the third cup in the Passover Seder. As He celebrated the Passover with His disciples, He wanted them to understand how His blood would be connected to their redemption. He wants all of us to open our eyes to the magnitude of His redemption. When we rejoice in the redemption and understand the covenant revealed, our faith in Him grows.
The Passover Cups of Wine and Communion
Let us take a drink from the Passover cups of wine and take communion looking backward and forward…
Looking back, we can claim the promises of the Passover cups of wine because of the blood that was shed for us.
Let us remember…
- God’s plan has always been for His people to receive the victory
- The people from whom our Savior was born and the richness of our spiritual heritage
- The freedom from the bondage of sin we now have
- Sin no longer yokes us
- We are righteous before the Lord because of the blood
Let us look forward to…
- The promises that lie ahead; the crown of life and the robe of righteousness that is ours
- Restored blessings released during Passover
- The glory of the Lord
Want to know more about each of the four cups of Passover and how they represent God’s deliverance? Click HERE.
Takeaway
Even though the wine represents many things, from abundance to judgment, Believers can rejoice that they are covered by the blood of Jesus, the Passover Lamb who satisfied the wrath and judgment of God.
We do not need to be afraid but rather see judgment as our friend because we are considered not guilty in the Courts of Heaven. Jesus’ blood still speaks on our behalf…
- Setting us free
- Healing us
- Pouring out new oil
- Declaring us righteous
- Releasing abundant blessings into our lives
All of this is available to us when we enter a covenant relationship with the Lord through Yeshua.
Discover what Passover means for Believers today and unlock your inheritance.
For additional information about the relationship between Passover and communion, check out these articles…