The wine in communion is not merely a ceremonial component; it is a theologically rich symbol that carries the weight of sacrifice, covenant, and spiritual nourishment. Within the context of Christian liturgy, this simple beverage, often red and fermented, becomes a profound vessel of meaning, connecting the believer to the historical event of the Last Supper and the ongoing reality of divine grace. Understanding what this liquid represents moves the ritual from a tradition to a transformative encounter.
Theological Foundations of the Symbol
To grasp the significance of the wine, one must first look to the scriptural narrative that established its use. During the final meal shared with his disciples, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." This declaration, recorded in Luke 22:20, directly links the liquid to the concept of a covenant—a binding agreement ratified by blood in ancient culture. The wine, therefore, is the tangible medium through which Jesus seals his promise of forgiveness and establishes a new relationship between God and humanity.
Representation of Sacrifice
Perhaps the most central representation of the wine is that of sacrificial blood. In the Old Testament, blood was understood as the seat of life, and its shedding was necessary for atonement. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 11:25, stating that Jesus "gave thanks and broke it, saying, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" The wine visually and symbolically represents the lifeblood of Jesus, shed on the cross for the remission of sins.
It signifies the cost of redemption, emphasizing that forgiveness was not free.
It points to the voluntary nature of his sacrifice, offered freely out of love.
It connects the believer to the completion of the Old Testament law.
The Aspect of Communion and Unity
Beyond the vertical dimension of sacrifice, the wine serves a horizontal function, fostering unity among the participants. When partakers consume the cup, they are not just remembering a past event individually; they are entering into a shared experience of grace. The act of drinking from the same source symbolizes the unity of the body of Christ. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 10:17, "Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf." The wine reinforces that regardless of background or status, believers are united in their dependence on the same Savior.
Spiritual Nourishment and Remembrance
Communion is often described as a means of grace, and the wine plays a vital role in this spiritual nourishment. While the bread represents the sustaining power of Christ's physical presence, the wine often represents the sustaining power of his Spirit and teachings. It is a reminder that the Christian life is not sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Furthermore, the act of drinking is an act of remembrance—anamnesis—that calls the believer back to the reality of the cross, renewing their gratitude and recommitting their life to the cause of Christ.
In many liturgical traditions, the wine is mixed with water, a practice that harks back to the soldiers offering Jesus wine mixed with gall on the cross. This mixture serves as a reminder that even in the midst of suffering and sacrifice, there is hope and dilution of the bitter taste of sin. It represents the mingling of human frailty with divine strength, a testament that God works through human weakness to bring about strength.
