Matthew 26:29

As the first Passover looked forward to deliverance and settlement in the Promised Land, so the Lord’s Supper looked forward to deliverance and settlement in the promised kingdom. Disciples are to observe the Lord’s Supper only until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). Then we will enjoy the messianic banquet together (Isaiah 25:6; cf. Matthew 8:11). Probably Jesus spoke these words after drinking the third cup of the Passover ritual.

"The four cups were meant to correspond to the fourfold promise of Exodus 6:6-7. The third cup, the ’cup of blessing’ used by Jesus in the words of institution, is thus associated with redemption (Exodus 6:6); but the fourth cup corresponds to the promise ’I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God’ (Exodus 6:7; . . .). Thus Jesus is simultaneously pledging that he will drink the ’bitter cup’ immediately ahead of him and vowing not to drink the cup of consummation, the cup that promises the divine presence, till the kingdom in all its fullness has been ushered in. Then he will drink the cup with his people." [Note: Carson, "Matthew," p. 539.]

By referring to drinking the wine anew (Gr. kainon, i.e., new in a qualitatively different way) Jesus meant that He and the disciples anticipated suffering and death, but in the future they would experience the joy of the messianic banquet and kingdom. [Note: Plummer, p. 365.]

This verse shows that Jesus’ death was very near. [Note: M’Neile, p. 383.] It also reveals that God has a definite eschatological program. [Note: Allen, p. 277.] Jesus wanted His disciples to labor for Him in the present age joyfully anticipating reunion with Him in the kingdom. [Note: Toussaint, Behold the . . ., p. 303.]