New Testament
Luke 22:18
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I tell you, I will not drink from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
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For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
What Luke 22:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, indicating that He will abstain from drinking wine until God's kingdom is fully established. This statement emphasizes the significance of the moment and the future hope of the kingdom of God. By not drinking the fruit of the vine, Jesus is symbolically linking His sacrifice and the establishment of God's reign. It reflects His commitment to the mission ahead, which includes His impending crucifixion and the promise of eternal life for believers. This verse serves as a reminder of the anticipation of God's kingdom, where believers will share in the joy of fellowship with Christ. It highlights the importance of waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled and the hope that sustains believers in their faith journey.
How to apply Luke 22:18 to your life
This verse encourages believers to focus on the future hope of God's kingdom. It reminds us to live in anticipation of Christ's return and to prioritize our spiritual commitments. By understanding the significance of waiting for God's promises, we can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–23)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 22:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:18 mean in context?
In Luke 22:18, Jesus speaks during the Last Supper, indicating His decision to abstain from drinking wine until God's kingdom is established. This moment is significant as it foreshadows His impending sacrifice and the establishment of God's reign. By linking His abstinence to the future kingdom, Jesus emphasizes the importance of His mission and the hope of eternal fellowship with believers.
Why did Jesus choose not to drink wine until the kingdom comes?
Jesus' choice to abstain from drinking wine until the kingdom of God comes symbolizes His commitment to His sacrificial mission. It highlights the seriousness of the Last Supper and the establishment of God's kingdom. This act serves as a reminder of the anticipation of God's promises and the joy that believers will experience in the future when they are united with Christ.
How does Luke 22:18 relate to the Last Supper?
Luke 22:18 is part of the Last Supper narrative, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. His statement about not drinking from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom comes underscores the significance of this moment. It connects the act of communion with the hope of future fellowship in God's kingdom, reinforcing the importance of remembering His sacrifice.
What can we learn from Jesus' words in Luke 22:18?
From Jesus' words in Luke 22:18, we learn the importance of hope and anticipation in our faith. His abstinence from wine serves as a reminder to focus on the future fulfillment of God's promises. It encourages believers to live with a sense of purpose and commitment, looking forward to the joy of fellowship with Christ in His kingdom.
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