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When Jesus said, “Drink from it, all of you” during the Last Supper, He wasn’t just talking about sharing wine—He was inviting His disciples into the heart of the gospel. The cup symbolized His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins, and marked the beginning of a new covenant between God and humanity. By saying “all of you,” Jesus extended this offer to everyone at the table, including the one who would betray Him. This powerful moment wasn’t just for the disciples—it was for you, too.
Understanding this phrase reveals the depth of what Jesus accomplished on the cross: grace, unity, and participation in His sacrifice. The cup represents a choice to receive that grace and live in remembrance of His love and suffering. Whether you’re new to this story or have heard it many times, there’s more to uncover. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the rich meaning behind these words and what they mean for your life today.
When Jesus said, “Drink from it, all of you” (Matthew 26:27), it wasn’t just about sharing a cup of wine. This moment—spoken during the Last Supper—carries deep meaning for every Christian. If you’ve ever wondered what this phrase really means and why it still matters, you’re not alone.
Let’s break it down clearly and get to the heart of Jesus’ words.
The Setting: The Last Supper
First, context is key. Jesus spoke these words during the Last Supper, the final meal He shared with His disciples before the crucifixion. At this meal:
- He predicted His betrayal (Matthew 26:21).
- He broke bread, saying it represented His body.
- Then, He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and passed it around.
Here’s the full verse:
“Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’” – Matthew 26:27 (NIV)
What Was in the Cup?
It wasn’t just wine. It was a symbol.
Jesus clarified in the next verse:
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
The cup represented:
- His blood — soon to be shed on the cross.
- The new covenant — replacing the old law with grace.
- Forgiveness — offered to many, not just a select few.
So when Jesus said, “Drink from it, all of you,” He wasn’t talking about hydration. He was inviting His disciples—and by extension, us—into something far greater.
Why “All of You”?
The phrase “all of you” is powerful. It means:
- Inclusion – Every disciple was meant to take part. No one was left out.
- Unity – They shared one cup. One Savior. One mission.
- Participation – Each person had to choose to drink. It wasn’t automatic.
Jesus didn’t say, “Some of you” or “Just the faithful ones.” He invited every single one of them to drink—yes, even Judas, who would betray Him.
Symbolism of the Cup in Scripture
The idea of a “cup” appears all over the Bible, and it often represents a person’s destiny, God’s wrath, or God’s blessing. Here are a few examples:
- Psalm 23:5 – “My cup overflows.” (blessing and abundance)
- Psalm 75:8 – “In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices…” (God’s judgment)
- Isaiah 51:17 – “You have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of His wrath.”
When Jesus used the image of the cup, He was tapping into centuries of scriptural imagery. But now, He was giving it a new meaning:
- The cup was His suffering.
- The cup was our salvation.
The Cup and the New Covenant
Let’s talk about covenants.
In the Old Testament, a covenant was a sacred agreement, often sealed with blood (like with Abraham in Genesis 15 or Moses in Exodus 24).
Jesus was now saying:
This cup is My blood of the new covenant.
That means:
- A new relationship between God and humanity was being formed.
- Law and sacrifice were being replaced by grace and faith.
- The forgiveness of sins would no longer rely on animal sacrifices, but on Jesus’ sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
What “Drink From It” Means for Us Today
So what does it mean for you—right now?
1. Receive the Gift of Grace
Drinking from the cup means accepting what Jesus did for you. It’s saying:
“Yes, I believe Your blood was shed for my forgiveness.”
You don’t earn it. You receive it. Freely.
2. Remember the Sacrifice
Every time you take communion, you’re remembering what Jesus said:
“Do this in remembrance of Me.” – Luke 22:19
The cup reminds you of the cost of your salvation.
3. Share in His Suffering
Jesus once asked, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22)
Following Him may involve suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial. The cup isn’t just about blessing—it’s about sharing in His life, death, and mission.
4. Live in Unity With Others
Jesus didn’t give each disciple a separate cup. It was one cup. This is a picture of unity.
Paul later wrote:
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving…a participation in the blood of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
When we drink together, we declare that we’re one body, united in Him.
What the Cup Is Not
Let’s be clear. The cup is not:
- A magical object.
- A literal transformation into Jesus’ blood (though some traditions believe in transubstantiation).
- Just a ritual with no meaning.
It’s a symbol of the most important event in history—Jesus dying so we could live.
Jesus Drank the Hard Cup So You Could Drink the Healing One
Remember what Jesus prayed in Gethsemane?
“Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” – Matthew 26:39
He was staring at the cup of God’s wrath, knowing He’d have to drink it—alone.
Why?
So you and I could drink from the cup of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life—together.
Takeaways
Let’s summarize what “Drink from it, all of you” really means:
- It’s an invitation – Jesus invites everyone to receive forgiveness.
- It’s a covenant – A new promise sealed with His blood.
- It’s participation – You actively respond to His offer.
- It’s remembrance – Communion is about remembering the cross.
- It’s unity – One body, one Savior, one shared cup.
Final Thought
When Jesus said “Drink from it, all of you,” He was doing more than serving wine. He was offering Himself—His life, His blood, His salvation—to everyone at the table.
That offer still stands. For me. For you.
So the next time you take communion, don’t just go through the motions. Pause. Reflect. And remember:
The cup Jesus gives is full of grace. And He wants you to drink deeply.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Jesus mean by “Drink from it, all of you”?
Jesus was inviting His disciples to take part in the new covenant He was establishing through His sacrifice. The cup symbolized His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
2. Why is the cup important in the Last Supper?
The cup represents Jesus’ blood and the new covenant. It’s a central symbol of salvation, grace, and the unity of all believers through Christ.
3. Is communion the same as drinking from the cup?
Yes. When Christians take communion, they are symbolically drinking from the cup Jesus offered—remembering His sacrifice and affirming their faith in Him.
4. Why did Jesus say “all of you”?
He included every disciple, showing that salvation is offered to everyone, regardless of status, background, or even future failure.
5. Was Judas included when Jesus said “all of you”?
Yes, Judas was still at the table. This shows Jesus’ willingness to offer grace even to those who would betray Him.
6. What is the new covenant Jesus referred to?
The new covenant replaces the old system of law and sacrifices with grace and faith in Jesus as the final, perfect sacrifice for sin.
7. Is the cup literal or symbolic?
The cup is symbolic. It represents Jesus’ blood and the spiritual realities of forgiveness, grace, and unity.
8. How does this apply to me today?
You’re invited to accept Jesus’ sacrifice, receive forgiveness, and live in unity with other believers. The invitation to “drink” is still open to you.
9. What does the Bible say about drinking from the cup of Jesus?
Verses like Matthew 26:27-28, 1 Corinthians 10:16, and Luke 22:20 speak about the spiritual significance of the cup as a participation in Christ’s sacrifice.
10. Does taking communion save me?
No, communion doesn’t save you. It’s a response to salvation—an act of remembrance and faith in what Jesus has already done.
