Here is a question regarding the Lord’s Supper.  Does it matter if the fruit of the vine is served in one cup only or in multiple cups?

     Unfortunately, this question has proven to be quite divisive down through the years.  Obviously, at this congregation, we use multiple cups as a part of the Lord’s Supper.  Many congregations follow this same pattern.  However, there are those who use only one container for the fruit of the vine.  And, there are those who utilize only one container and hold to the idea that it would be a violation of scripture to use multiple cups.  So, let’s see what conclusions we can draw from the scriptures.

     Matthew 26:26-28 is one of the passages in which we find Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper.  In this passage, as well as in the parallel passages of Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:19-20, there is reference to a singular “cup.”  So, to follow the proper pattern, should we use one cup only?  Let’s take a closer look.

     Notice the words of Jesus in Matthew 26:27-28.  (I’ve underlined several of the words in order to make a point.)    “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”  Jesus told the apostles, “Drink ye all of it.”  What is the “it”?  Is “it” the cup or the contents?  Obviously, they were to drink the contents of the cup.  He went on to say, “For this is my blood of the new testament...”  Which represented His blood – the cup or the contents?  Obviously, the contents, “the fruit of the vine,” represented the blood that Jesus was about to shed on the cross of Calvary.  The cup did not carry any significant meaning in the institution of the Lord’s Supper.  The emphasis was placed upon the contents.  Such should be the case today as well.

     With these things being said, it is important to understand that there is nothing wrong with using only one cup.  It is simply a matter of preference.  However, it is wrong to attempt to bind upon others the necessity of using only one cup.