For the LORD holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. / He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.

Psalm 75:8

In Psalm 75:8, the image of a cup filled with wine represents the coming judgment of God. In a time known to God alone, he will judge the wicked (75:2), giving them their due. Those who have defiantly rejected God will drink the wine of his judgment, draining the glass to the very bottom.

This passage in Psalm 75 helps us understand the ministry of Jesus. When James and John asked Jesus if they could share in his kingly glory, he responded by saying, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” (Mark 10:38). Jesus would drink the cup of God’s judgment, taking upon himself the penalty for human sin. Yet, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with this very calling: “Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Mark 14:36). In faithfulness to the will of the Father, Jesus chose to drink the cup of judgment, to bear the weight of our sin.

Thus, we do not have to fear the cup of God’s wrath. In fact, Jesus offers us the cup of the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20). Through the sacrifice of Jesus—his act of drinking the cup— we are forgiven, if we put our trust in him. Therefore, the next time you receive Communion, remember that Jesus drank the cup of judgment so that you might savor the cup of salvation.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: Do you ever think of Jesus as taking upon himself God’s judgment for your sin? What difference does it make in your life that Jesus drank the cup of judgment for you?

PRAYER:  O Lord Jesus, as I reflect upon what you have done for me, my heart is filled with humble gratitude. You drank, not just the cup of judgment, but my cup of judgment. You took upon yourself the just penalty for my sin. How grateful I am for your amazing grace!

Now you offer me, not the cup of suffering, but rather the cup of salvation. In your blood I am forgiven. I have no need to fear the judgment of God because you have taken it, giving me your own relationship with the Father in return. Thank you, dear Lord, for this rich and life-changing gift!

All praise be to you, Lord Jesus, my Savior, Savior of the world! Amen.

DIGGING DEEPER: If you’d like further discussion of the cup of judgment and how this helps us understand the ministry of Jesus, check out this blog post.