Save me, O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path. For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life. In your righteousness bring me out of trouble. (Psalm 143: 9-11)

Today many Christian Churches recognize Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. This is a commemoration of Jesus and his principal disciples gathering for Passover and, probably, sharing a seder meal.

A Passover Seder at the time of Jesus almost certainly featured at least four and, potentially, five cups of wine. This was a relatively new addition to the seder instituted during the Roman period. Each cup of wine represented a different blessing of God. The fifth cup, the so-called Elijah cup, represented redemption for all. This was poured but not consumed because it was perceived this blessing had not yet arrived.

According to the gospels during the Passover meal Jesus predicted his betrayal and offered the sacramental potential of bread and wine. It is possible that it was the Elijah cup that is referenced when it is written, "Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many." (Mark 14: 22-23)

Above is the Last Supper by Sadao Watanabe.