But I tell you: from now on I will no longer drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
These words are the symbolic conclusion of the last supper shared by Jesus and the disciples. Jesus says that he will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine, indicating that the Passover meal is coming to an end and the path of the New Covenant is beginning. The phrase “from now on I will not drink” means that Jesus will not take part in earthly feasts until the day when the kingdom of God is fully established. Within these words there are two levels. First, the Lord points to his approaching suffering and death: this cup will no longer be filled with earthly wine, but with the Blood poured out on the cross. Second, the Lord speaks about the future spiritual banquet—the joy of the Kingdom—when, with those saved through him, he “will drink it new,” as a sign of new life and eternal joy. The phrase “I will drink it new in my Father’s kingdom” means: I will share with you the full fruit of the New Covenant, that is, eternal union in the presence of God. Thus, with these words Jesus both closes the old Passover rite and opens the promise of the eternal Passover, where he will no longer drink wine on earth, but in the new life, together with those saved through him.