During His last Passover, Jesus instituted the symbols of the bread and wine which pictured His broken body and His shed blood (Mt 26:27-28; Mk 14:23-24; Lk 22:20; see also: 1Co 11:25).

I know that unleavened bread was a part of the Passover celebration prior to this time, but what about wine? Did wine play a part in the celebration of the Passover prior to Jesus instituting it as one of the symbols of the New Covenant?

Yes, four cups were drunk corresponding to the four-fold promise of Exodus 6:6-7. 

1. “I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians”;
2. “I will rescue you from their bondage”;
3. “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments”;
4. “I will take you as My people and I will be your God.”

 NOTE: The four cups are based upon a Jewish tradition starting around the time of Ezra.

• The Cup of Sanctification - based on God’s statement, “I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians”
• The Cup of Judgment or Deliverance- based on God’s statement, “I will deliver you from slavery to them”
• The Cup of Redemption - based on God’s statement, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm”
• The Cup of Praise or Restoration - based on God’s statement, “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God”