After sharing the Passover meal, Jesus instituted with His disciples the Lord’s Supper. Toward the end of that event – after sharing the cup – Jesus proclaimed, “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29, ESV). The following poem is based on that profound and comforting statement of Jesus Christ.
Your promise to them
Is Your promise to me;
We will dine together
When my sorrow does flee.
Though burdened so greatly
With the task just ahead,
You demonstrated by simple cup
I have nothing to dread.
The fruit of the vine
You drank on that day
Is a weighty reminder –
God gets His way.
For though you would leave
Soon after the cup,
You said you’d come back
As I keep looking up.
And Your loving heart realized
What I needed to know:
This special communion
Would not end, but grow.
So as you started down
Your dark road to Calvary,
You spoke words I treasure
In the deepest part of me:
“I won’t drink again
Of this fruit of the vine
Until the day we sup together
And your hand is in mine.”
Jesus, how I love you
For saving the purest wine
For the day without suffering
When together we dine.
In the Father’s kingdom
So exceeding mortal comprehension,
We will talk and share together
When of sin there is no mention.
Surely we will have joy and life
And eating and friendship beyond the veil,
For your promises are true
And your plan can never fail.
The banquet of the Messiah;
How I long for that day!
When I will get to hug you
For the life you gave away.
Why are you waiting
To drink again the cup with me?
Oh, how special to you, Jesus,
This pitiful creature must be!