Nathan Coston | “The Four Cups of Passover”
The Cup of Sanctification
“I will bring you out from under the burdensome yoke of the Egyptians.” Ex 6:6
The first cup of the Passover is “The Cup of Sanctification.” It is the first cup to be drunk at the Seder meal, and it was to remind the Israelites of God’s promise of a new life, free from the forced labor and heavy yoke of their enemy.
The Israelites had been in bondage for over 400 years, and God was faithful to fulfill His covenant vow found in Genesis 15:12-16.
As Christians, we too have been given the promise of a new life. We too have been brought out from under the heavy yoke and captivity of our oppressor.
Therefore, drink deep from The Cup of Sanctification, and remember the faithfulness of God, and hold fast to His never-failing promises.
The Cup of Deliverance
“I will deliver you from their bondage.” Ex 6:6
The second Passover Cup to be drunk during the Seder meal is “The Cup of Deliverance.” When drinking this cup, the Israelites were to remember that it was Jehovah that delivered them from the chains of bondage. It was Jehovah who passed over and saved them from the darkness of death when He saw the blood of the Lamb. And it was Jehovah that provided an escape through the water and put a barrier between them and their oppressor.
As Christians, we too have been delivered. We have been set free, and we are no longer chained to sin. Because of the blood, death cannot hold us in captivity, and because of the Living Water, our oppressor can no longer reach us.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
The Cup of Redemption
“I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and mighty acts of judgement.” Ex 6:6
The third cup of the Passover Seder meal is “The Cup of Redemption,” and it is to be drunk after the meal has been eaten.
This cup signified the slaying of the Passover lamb that spared the Israelites from the 10th plague. Those who had the blood of the lamb painted on their doorpost were “passed over,” when death came for the first born. This is the cup Jesus speaks of in Matthew 26:27-29, when He ate with His disciples for the last time, and this is the cup Christians drink when they observe Communion.
“Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is the blood of the covenant, which is poured for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”
Just as the blood of the Passover Lamb covered the believing Israelites in Egypt, the blood of Jesus covers all believers today.
The Cup of Praise
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” Ex 6:6
The fourth and final cup of the Passover is “The Cup of Praise.” For the Israelites, this cup symbolized restoration and completeness. When drinking this cup, it was a reminder to them that one day they would finally be accepted by God.
For Christians, it holds a very different meaning. It is The Wedding Cup.
“I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” Matthew 26:29
Revelation 19:9 speaks of the marriage of the supper of the Lamb. This will be the time when Jesus celebrates with His Bride – the Church, and The Cup of Praise will be lifted. At that time, everything will be made complete, and we shall be joined with Christ as His Bride.
“Let us rejoice and exalt and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure – for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.'”