"...and he took a cup, and when he had given thanks
he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves...."
In Bible study this evening, we discussed the significance of Jesus extending a cup to the disciples in Luke 22.
There are many different types of cups mentioned in the Bible. Here Luke is referring to the cup of suffering which is one we will all taste. Even though it is an inescapable part of life, everyone will experience it in different ways:
- for some people it is physical pain; hard, unrelenting, pain,
- for some people it is mental suffering. What decision will I make? Which road shall I take?
- for others it is the suffering we call heartache; that deep pain that registers in our innermost being.
When the disciples shared the cup of suffering with Christ, scripture says they divided it amongst themselves. Ironically, they also shared the suffering between them, as tradition records, several died by crucifixion, by the sword, and as martyrs.
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:16-18
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