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PASSOVER
SPECIAL PASSOVER PREPARATION PAPER
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Greetings all you saints in Christ Jesus, Our Passover Lamb. Truth On The Web Ministries is pleased to offer this special PASSOVER article for the edification of the Body. It is our hope that some portion of this edition will enhance your understanding of these days - why and how we observe them. May you have a reverent, meaningful Passover and joyful, edifying days of Unleavened Bread. Keep The Feast. ~kmh
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The Spring Days of Observance:
The Passover in Scripture: [This is a memorial day. It is not one of the "annual Sabbaths" as work is not prohibited.] Leviticus 23:5 "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover."
The Passover: After being set aside on the 10th day and examined by the religious leaders, the spotless lamb (of the first year) was sacrificed, on 14th day of the first month of the year, to redeem the first-born of Israel providing deliverance from certain death [Ex 12]. Those houses that bore the blood of the lamb were passed over by the death angel [Ex 12:23].
Joshua led the people into the Land in Joshua 4:19 on the 10th of the month (setting aside of the Lamb) and circumcised the children of Israel [Josh 5]; Moses, representing the law, could not lead the people into the promised land, but Joshua ("Joshua" means Salvation and is the Hebrew form of the name "Jesus") the son of Nun ("Nun" means "eternal") led them in. This antetype shows that the law couldn't save us (lead us into the promised land) but Jesus, the Son of the Eternal, can and He circumcises our hearts and leads us in.
Compare the other types: Christ, the sinless Lamb of God [John 1:29,36], was sacrificed for our sins on 14th of the month (Passover) [I Cor 5:7]. He is the First-born of many brothers [Rom. 8:29], provides deliverance from "the second death" for the first born of the church [Rev 20:6] who have the blood of Christ covering them [I Cor 10:16; I Pet 1:18,19; Rev 1:5]; Jesus also was examined by the religious leaders and was found without blemish [Luke 23:14,15, 22]. Passover may be viewed as an ante-type of the Day of Atonement except only the "firstborn" (first resurrection) are atoned for at this time.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread in Scripture: [The first and last days of this feast are "annual Sabbaths"] Leviticus 23:6-9 "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ...."
Feast of Unleavened Bread: Israel's exodus from bondage of Egypt; they had to sanctify the firstborn and all had to put out all leaven and eat unleavened bread [Ex 13:1-10]; came to a point later where they had to be 'baptized' under the waters of the Red Sea [Ex 14; I Cor 10:1,2], then continue in the leaving behind of the lifestyles they had in Egypt. We notice and compare that Jesus is the "Bread of Life" [John 6:35, 48, 51] without sin [leaven]. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which in Hebrew, means house of bread. The believers in Christ that take the Passover should then be unleavened [Matt 26:17, I Cor 5:7-8]. The Gospels and Epistles also admonish us numerous times to sin no more and to be perfect.
The WaveSheaf [Elevation Sheaf] in Scripture: [This is not an actual 'holyday' but it ties the Passover/Days of Unleavened bread with Pentecost.] Leviticus 23:10-12 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.
Wavesheaf: The First cut sheaf of the first fruit harvest cycle is elevated [Lev 23:10] on the morrow after the weekly Sabbath that occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Compare to the elevation into the presence of the Father of the resurrected Messiah [John 20:17] , the First of the Firstfruits [I Cor 15:20,23], who was also risen to the Father on the morrow after the weekly Sabbath that occurs during the Days of Unleavened Bread. [John 20:1,19; Mark 16:19]
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Old Testament Prophecies and New Testament Parallels Regarding The Messiah's Death
Betrayed by a friend: Psalms 55:12-14, 21 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company . . . . The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Luke 22:47-48 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Sold for thirty pieces of silver: Zechariah 11:12-13 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.
Matthew 26:14-15 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
Laughed at and mocked: Psalms 22:1-2 <<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?Psalms 22:6-8 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
Psalms 22:12-13 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. Matthew 27:39-44 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Beaten, Crucified and Gambled Off Garments: Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.
Luke 22:63-64 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
Matthew 26:67-68 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Psalms 22:14-18 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Matthew 27:26-35 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Despised and rejected, an offering for sin: Isaiah 53:1-3 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Luke 23:18-25 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:7-12 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 1 Peter 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Counted As Criminal & Buried with Rich: Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Matthew 27:57-60 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Mark 15:27-28 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
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Sabbath Morning Companion [Date: 3/30/01 by Lenny Cacchio- reformatted for this newsletter/ used with permission]
"You shall never wash my feet!"
Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" (John 13:8 NKJ)
If any of the disciples could be considered self-sufficient, it would have been Simon Peter. Jesus once said of him, "When you were younger you girded yourself and walked where you wished." It was not his way to let others do for him. He was man enough to take care of himself, and his pride would not allow otherwise.
It was Peter who wielded the sword in the garden in a misguided attempt to protect his Messiah. It was Peter who had the audacity to walk on water. Peter - the talented Peter - could do whatever he set his heart to do, and didn't need anyone's help. Or so he thought.
So when Jesus knelt down to wash Peter's feet, Peter acted like Peter. He was willing to help and serve others, but he could not bear the thought of others helping and serving him. "You shall never wash my feet."
Personally, I don't mind washing my brother's feet. The hard part for me is to let others wash my feet. I can take care of myself, you know. You won't catch me asking others for help. I pull my own weight. I pay my own bills. I fulfill my responsibilities. So don't try to help me.
But once a year a brother kneels before me and washes my feet. And every year I become embarrassed. Like Peter I say, "You? Washing my feet?" And every year we read the scriptures together, and Jesus tells me, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."
This ordinance of humility, to help your brother as a lowly servant. But sometimes it takes more humility to let others help you.
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Historical Quotes about Passover Continuance
[In the chapter previous to the quote below, Eusebius noted how Victor and the Church at Rome had chosen to corruptly observe the "pascha" (later renamed "Easter" in honor of the pagan goddess "Ishtar/Astarte") always on the first day of the week, as opposed to the Churches of Asia who followed the teachings of the Apostles and forthwith observed the true Pascha (Passover) on the 14th day of Nisan/Abib annually.]
"The Disagreement in Asia: But the bishops of Asia, led by Polycrates, decided to hold to the old custom handed down to them. He himself, in a letter which he addressed to Victor and the church of Rome, set forth in the following words the tradition which had come down to him: "We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep [he speaks here of the death of many brethren], which shall rise again on the day of the Lord's coming, when He shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead? All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ' We ought to obey God rather than man.' " He then writes of all the bishops who were present with him and thought as he did. His words are as follows: "I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus." (Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History, Book V, ch. 24)
"St. Polycarp, the disciple of St. John the Evangelist and bishop of Smyrna, visited Rome in 159 to confer with Anicetus, the bishop of that see, on the subject; and urged the tradition, which he had received from the apostle, of observing the fourteenth day." (Encyclopaedia Brittanica, 11th edition, vol.8, p.828, article: "Easter")
"It is therefore your duty, brethren, who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, to observe the days of the Passover exactly, with all care, after the vernal equinox, lest ye be obliged to keep the memorial of the one passion twice in a year. Keep it once only in a year for Him that died but once." ~ (Ante-Nicean Fathers, Vol 7, Constitutions of the Holy Apostles, xvii)
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Christ is our Passover Sacrifice
The animal called the Paschal Lamb was a foreshadow of Christ who was the true Lamb of God. The blood of a lamb sacrificed in the ritualistic manner could never take away men's sins but the precious blood of Christ, in a single sacrifice, is able to handle that task for it is for that very purpose did He come.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
Christ conducted a pre-Passover liturgy early on the 14th of the month – the day on which the Passover Lamb was to be slain. Here he revealed the symbolism of the bread and wine. He instructed His disciples to "memorialize" His death every year at this time at what has become known as the Lord's Supper early on the 14th of Abib - the evening prior to His death.
Luke 22:11-20 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
The disciples put out the old leaven and sin - the new spiritual meaning of leaven during this feast.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Revelation 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
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Exodus 17:1-7 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
1 Corinthians 10:1-6 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
1 Samuel 2:2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
1 Peter 2:6-8 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
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Moses Type of Christ
Scriptures show events parallel to both the lives of Moses and Jesus. Moses, in many ways an ante-type (precursor type) of Christ. Both fulfilled their roles as prophet, priest, lawgiver, teacher, and leader. Granted - all that Moses accomplished was done through the pre-incarnate Christ.
Both Moses and Jesus were sent from God (Ex. 3:1-10; John 8:42).
Born into an oppressed race under a cruel foreign kings that threatened their lives: (Ex. 1:8-14; Luke 2:1Ex. 1:15-16; Matt. 2:16).
Both spent their early years in Egypt, miraculously protected from those who sought their lives (Ex. 2:10; Matt. 2:14-15).
Both rejected worldly kingdoms in this life (Heb. 11:24; Matt. 4:8-9)
Both were spokesmen for God and knew God face to face. They spoke direct without mediator (Ex. 3:1-10; Deut. 34:10; Luke 9:34-36; Deut. 34:10; John 1:18; Matt. 17:5; John 3:34).
Both were teachers (Deut 4:1-5; Matt. 22:16; John 3:2).
Both gave the people "bread from Heaven" (Ex. 16:14-15; Matt. 14:19-20)
Both were appointed as Deliverers of Israel (Acts 7:35 -Heb 2:14-15) .
Both fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Ex. 34:28; Matt. 4:2).
Both were Mediators of a covenant of blood: (Exodus 24:7-8; Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:11-15; 1 Cor. 11:25; 2 Cor. 3:6).
Both offered to die on behalf of the people's sins (Ex. 32:30-33; John 17).
Both of their faces were transfigured (changed - radiant- shining) - (Ex. 34:34-5; Matt. 17:2).
Both sent out twelve (Moses sent 12 spies into the land of Canaan and Jesus 12 disciples to preach the gospel to the House of Israel and the world (Num. 13; Matt 10:1).
Both appointed 70 to teach and judge: (Num. 11:16-7; Luke 10:1-17; 1Cor 6:2).
These are only a few of the many parallels of Moses and Jesus/Yeshua.
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19 -- 15The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
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Preparing For Passover
- Physical Preparation:
Clean all leaven from your home prior to Passover.
Make sure you have ingredients to make the various types of Unleavened bread you will be wanting.
Set aside a good red wine without yeast
Make sure you have a small basin for footwashing and a towel. Each participating brother or sister should have their own. It is good to have some extra for unexpected or unprepared guests.
- Make the bread for the Lords Supper
Passover Bread Recipe by Loma Armstrong Yield: 500 servings for Passover
Ingredients:
4 cups freshly ground whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
3 tablespoons real butter
2 tablespoons oil mixed in 1 cup water
Directions: Sift flour and measure. Add salt, sift again, or stir thoroughly (in a food processor, if available). Cut butter into small pieces and add to flour after each cut (or cut in with a pastry cutter). Add oil and water to flour (while running processor). Mix until it forms a ball of dough that comes away from the side of the bowl. Knead lightly on floured board 1 minute to a smooth ball. Lightly flour the bowl again. Pinch 1 cup dough and flatten, then roll as thin as possible. Roll it until it just holds together without breaking when pulled. Place the rolled dough on an ungreased sheet and make one cut so the pieces may conveniently fit on the serving plate. Bake 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 until puffy and lightly browned.
Instructions for Use: Depending on the number taking Passover, set aside a reasonable amount for the Passover service. Use the remainder for ordinary bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Jews teach that From the time the flower is ground until the bread is made and in the oven should be 18 minutes or less so as to not cause the dough to adopt yeast spores from the air and cause any rising.
UNLEAVENED BREAD
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup water
1/8 cup honey (for Passover meal omit honey)
Directions: Mix oil and flour first-stir. Put water and honey in and whisk into runny mixture. Spread thin on baking sheet. Bake in a 500-600 degree oven for 6 to 7 minutes.
PASSOVER BREAD
Ingredients:
3 pints milk
1 pound butter
flour
Directions: Take milk, butter, and as much flour as needed to give it a body similar to pie dough. Divide into four parts and work each until it blisters; then roll out till about the thickness of pie dough. Score or prick with fork (like a pie shell). Bake at 350 degrees until slightly browned at the edges.
Things Youll Need: Cookie sheet, Rolling pin
Jewish Unleavened Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups of bread flour
cup of water
cup sunflower oil
2 heaping tablespoons of coriander seeds crushed [cilantro]
1 level teaspoon of salt
Directions: Gather up the needed ingredients before beginning. This unleavened bread recipe calls for 4 cups of bread flour which is not self-rising, cup of water plus more if necessary, cup sunflower oil, 2 heaping tablespoons of cilantro and 1 level teaspoon of salt. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a cookie sheet. Use a coffee grinder to crush the cilantro and then mix it with the salt. Add this to the flour. Add the oil to the flour and mix well. Pour the water into the flour mixture and knead lightly. It will be ready when the dough is no longer sticky. Add extra water 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough is too dry. Use a rolling pin to roll the unleavened bread dough out on a lightly-floured surface. Flatten the dough to about inch in thickness. Try to make the shape as close as possible to the shape of the pre-greased cookie sheet. Put the dough on the cookie sheet and cut into triangles or squares. Bake the unleavened bread for 15 to 20 minutes. It will be dry in consistency like a cracker.
Unleavened Wheat Bread
Ingredients:
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
2 cups water
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup oil
Directions: Roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Place on greased cookie sheet. Score into about 1 inch squares. Cut into 4 x 5 rectangles. Bake at 400 degrees about 15 minutes. In the first minutes of baking, prick bubbles that may form.
Passover always involves Purification and Preparation - Roll away Reproach - Be circumcised in the heart.
Israel had to be circumcised before they could keep the Passover at Gilgal. Joshua 5:9-10 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
Only those who are BAPTIZED into Christ should take the Passover. (circumcision made without hands)
Exodus 12:43 And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof. ... 48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
II Chronicles 30:3,15,17-20 For they could not keep it [the Passover] at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem . . . . Then they killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD . . . . For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the Passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the LORD. 18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the Passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one that 19 prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. 20 And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. [ See also II Chronicles 35:1,4,6,10,14-19; Ezra 6:20-22 ]
Anyone who is baptized (circumcision made without hands) MUST partake of the Passover. An exception is made for those too far away on a journey that for unseen circumstances cannot return to observe it. This exception allows them to sanctify themselves and partake the second month on the 14th as a measure of grace. We, who have been cleansed, MUST keep the Passover.
Numbers 9:13 But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season (mo'ed), that man shall bear his sin.
John 13:8-11 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
We are to be servants, one to another, to all in the Body. The Master left us an example which we should mimic, not only by foot-washing on the 14th of the Abib (first biblical month), but by serving each other daily in love. We should be always humble before The Lord and man.
John 13:14-17 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
We are told by Jesus to DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM. The symbols represent the Lord's death. The scriptures tell us to EXAMINE OURSELVES (not your neighbour).
1 Corinthians 11: 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
So ask yourself some deep self-searching questions.
- The Lord placed me as He desired in this congregation, do I fill it as God would desire?
- How am I loving my neighbour and especially those of the Household of Faith? Is it pleasing to Him?
- Am I keeping myself physically and mentally clean, pure and healthy?
- Am I being the husband; or wife; or son; or daughter; or, brother, or sister, or church member, or pastor; and/or neighbour; and/or employee; and/or employer that I ought to be in Christ?
- Am I seeking His Face every day in all my ways? Do I remember God wants me to be with Him? That I belong to Him bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus?
- Am I confessing or denying my faults? Am I acknowledging my sin and asking forgiveness?
- Am I confident that I am forgiven and continue to 'press on toward the mark'? Or do I backslide and make excuses?
- Do I pray everyday? Do I pray for others more than myself? Are my prayers just an "I want" list?
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
The Word also tells us to DISCERN THE LORD'S BODY. We must avoid NOT discerning the Lord's body. This is taken to mean some were not discriminating between the bread which is used on this occasion, and common and ordinary food (They usually did this after a meal together). They did not regard it in a proper manner, but supposed it to be simply an historical commemoration of a secular event, such as they were in the habit of observing in honor of an idol or a hero by a public celebration. Some just see it as a ritual that we do. There is a danger of some not realizing what they are doing as they drink the wine of the cup or eat the bread because they are not remembering Yeshua (Jesus) and what He did for us.
The scriptures say "Don't you KNOW that you are the Lords? Don't you KNOW that you are part of THE BODY? 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.1 Corinthians 6:15-20 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
In the drinking of the wine, which represents the Savior's blood that we helped to shed, we recognize that His life was poured out instead of our own. We recognize that He has taken away our sin (transgression of His law) and enabled the repentant to be reconciled to God by His death. In the sharing of the bread, which represents the Savior's body broken for us, we acknowledge we are His. Also, the Church is "the body of Christ" (1Co 12:27) which forces the obedient follower of Christ to consider his ongoing individual relationships with all of Christ's brethren.
The bread, of course, is also symbolic of the words of life which He spoke. Jesus referred to Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:51: "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." Eating His "flesh" is symbolism. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. The Catholic Church teaches "Transubstantiation" where they say the bread actually becomes Jesus' body/flesh and the wine His blood. In truth, the bread is but bread. There is no physical transformation of its nature. It does not literally become flesh. The bread is but a symbol of His body.
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