Definition: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important verse from Luke 22:18. It's a powerful and somewhat unsettling passage that speaks to Jesus’ growing awareness of impending danger. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying, “I’m going to stop drinking wine – specifically, the wine associated with the Passover meal – until God’s kingdom comes.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For I say unto you…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to his followers. It’s a declaration of something significant about his future plans. “…I will not drink of the fruit of the vine…” : This is the key part. “The vine” refers to the Passover meal, which was a central event in Jewish tradition celebrating liberation from slavery. The “fruit” represents the joy , the celebration , and the spirit associated with that meal. Jesus isn’t saying he doesn’t enjoy the meal, but he’s choosing not to partake in it – at least for now. Think of it like this: He's recognizing something important is about to happen that will disrupt the normalcy and joy of the celebration. “Until the kingdom of God shall come.” : This is the crucial part that connects everything. “The Kingdom of God” is a concept we understand as the reign of God – God’s rule, his authority, and his ultimate triumph over evil. It represents God's complete fulfillment of his promises and the establishment of peace and justice on Earth. This phrase means Jesus believes this kingdom will come eventually – not immediately, but in a future time. What does it mean in terms of context? Jesus was facing intense pressure from religious leaders who were worried about him being disloyal to them. He was asking for permission to eat bread and wine, and he was subtly testing their loyalty. This verse is a sign that Jesus understood the danger he was in and that he was preparing himself for a challenging future. It highlights his awareness of impending conflict and his desire to protect himself and others from it. Why is this important? It’s a glimpse into Jesus' understanding of his own fate. He knew that his mission – to bring about God’s kingdom – would be threatened by the forces he was facing at that moment. It shows his foresight and his willingness to anticipate challenges before they fully materialize. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about Jesus’ awareness of impending danger and his commitment to fulfilling his divine purpose. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the significance of the Passover meal in more detail?