[276 words]
One of the most humbling passages in the whole Bible is this one: “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).
Jesus told this to His disciples as He introduced them to the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; pay special note to 1 Corinthians 11:23-24).
Some people have the mistaken notion that Jesus was talking about heaven when He used the phrase “in My Father’s kingdom.” However, the New Testament speaks of the Kingdom as already being in existence (Revelation 1:9; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Furthermore, in Matthew 16:16-20, Jesus used the terms “church” and “kingdom” interchangeably.
There is much more I could write about this but suffice it to say, the church is God’s kingdom on earth. So, when Jesus said: “I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom,” He was speaking about being with us during our worship service in the church. What a great honor!
What would you do if your favorite TV or movie actor/singer or sports star or governmental ruler announced that he or she was going to attend our service this Sunday? Would you make it a point to attend and be attentive? How much more attention should we give when we realize that Jesus is going to be right there, with us, this Sunday, as we partake of HIS supper?
Think about it!
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX