 The Practice of Passover
Summary
In Bible times, during the Passover feast, a lamb without blemish was sacrificed to represent redemption from sin. God instructed us in Scripture to celebrate His deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and tell the story of all He did. We do this at Passover, celebrating the Passover meal—or Seder. Messiah celebrated this feast at what is referred to as “the last supper.” He surprised His disciples by adding a new element to the celebration.
While they were eating, Yeshua took a piece of matzah, made the b’rakhah, (blessing) broke it, gave it to the talmidim (disciples) and said, “Take! Eat! This is my body!” 27 Also he took a cup of wine, made the b’rakhah, and gave it to them, saying, “All of you, drink from it! 28 For this is my blood, which ratifies the New Covenant, my blood shed on behalf of many, so that they may have their sins forgiven. (Matthew 26:26-28 JNT)
Messiah became the Passover sacrifice. He sacrificed His life that we may have everlasting life. We participate in His sacrifice and resurrection by not only partaking in this celebration, but experiencing the joy of walking in His liberty and love—where our focus shifts from our self-centered interests to caring about the interests of others.
Paul, therefore, declared, “Do nothing out of rivalry or vanity; but, in humility, regard each other as better than yourselves — 4 look out for each other’s interests and not just for your own.” (Philippians 2:3-4 JNT)
This principle was also in view in exhorting believers to, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)
Life Application Questions
How do you look for ways to express the love of Messiah, and live in a sacrificial manner, looking out for the interests of others?
Scripture References
1 John 3:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-2; Titus 2:6; 3:14; James 3:13-18
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 44-46; 98-100
Sons and Servants: p. 11-12; 20-22; 33-38; 82-83; 111-115; 120-122
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