Understanding this historical context is key to appreciating the true meaning of Passover. It is a celebration of liberation, a commemoration of the Israelites; deliverance from slavery and the beginning of their journey towards freedom. By reflecting on the trials and tribulations endured by their ancestors, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Passover and the enduring lessons it imparts.

Exodus chapter 12 recounts the historical roots of Passover, providing a vivid account of the events that took place. For the children of Israel to escape the devastating final plague, God issued a commandment to all Israelites.

They were instructed to sacrifice a male lamb or a goat of the first year, one without any blemish, on the fourteenth day of Abib – the first month of the year – at dusk. Additionally, God commanded the Israelites to apply the blood of the sacrificed animal to the doorposts and lintels of their houses (Exodus 12:1-7).

Now, why was the blood of the sacrificial animal significant? It served a crucial purpose in this narrative. God proclaimed, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and strike down every firstborn in the land, both man and beast I will execute judgment on all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD. But when I see the blood on your doorposts, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt’s land.”

The blood of the lamb or goat acted as a sign, a token of protection for the Israelites. As God passed through Egypt, bringing judgment upon the land and its inhabitants, He would spare those households marked with the blood of the sacrificial animal. This act of obedience and faith, symbolized by the blood, ensured that the plague would not harm the people within those protected homes.

In summary, Exodus 12 recounts the pivotal events surrounding Passover, highlighting the significance of the blood of the sacrificial animal. By obeying God’s commandment and applying the blood to their doorposts, the Israelites secured their protection from the final plague, ultimately leading to their liberation from Egypt.

Following the immediate aftermath of Passover, God has issued a divine commandment for a festival to be joyously celebrated for a duration of seven days. The festival commences on the day following the Passover night. This sacred occasion, known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, holds great significance and carries several important instructions.

During these seven days, it is required that all individuals partake in the consumption of unleavened bread. It is essential to rid one’s households of any leavened bread from the very first day until the seventh day. Whoever dares to consume leavened bread during this period shall face the severe consequence of being cut off from the nation of Israel.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a holy convocation must be held, signifying a sacred gathering of the people. Similarly, on the seventh day, another holy convocation is to be observed. Throughout both of these days, no work of any kind should be conducted, except for the necessary preparation of food.

This requirement is a reminder that this festival holds a distinct spiritual importance, and all are expected to dedicate their time to the worship and observance of this sacred occasion.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is not to be taken lightly, for it serves as a commemoration of the day when God miraculously led the armies of Israel out of the land of Egypt. This momentous event holds such significance that it is to be observed by all future generations as an everlasting ordinance.

Therefore, let it be known that the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a solemn and joyous occasion, commanding the utmost respect and adherence to its divine instructions. As the generations pass, this sacred festival serves as a powerful reminder of God’s deliverance and the eternal bond between the nation of Israel and their Creator.

The first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, known as the 15th Abib and 21st Abib respectively, hold a special significance. These days are considered holy and are referred to as feast Sabbaths or “high days” On these days, it is forbidden to engage in any servile work, and the children of God are commanded to gather for worship. It is important to note that these two annual Sabbaths can fall on any day of the week.

However, the timing of the festival is determined by God’s revealed Biblical calendar, as described in Exodus 12:1-2. During the observance of the Unleavened Bread Festival, which was observed under the old covenant, the consumption or presence of yeast or leaven was strictly prohibited. As Exodus 12:19-20 explains, not even a trace of leaven was to be found in one’s home during this period.

The Apostle Paul later elaborated on the spiritual significance of leaven, stating that it symbolically represents sin. In his words, “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 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” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).

It is also important to note that after receiving divine protection from God on Passover Night, it is our duty to live our lives in accordance with His standards of honesty, sincerity, truth, love, and righteousness. These principles should guide us in all aspects of our lives, shaping our thoughts, actions, and behaviors.

God’s divine protection is a gift that we should not take for granted. It is a reminder of His love and care for us, and it comes with the expectation that we will strive to uphold His standards. This means being honest in our dealings with others, speaking the truth, and acting with sincerity in all situations.

Furthermore, God calls us to love one another as He loves us. This love is not limited to our friends and family but extends to all people. It is a love that is selfless, kind, and compassionate. By living our lives in this way, we reflect God’s love to the world and fulfill His expectations.

In addition to honesty, sincerity, and love, God also expects us to live righteously. This means doing what is morally right, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. It means making choices that align with God’s will and purpose for our lives.

Living a life that is perfectly aligned with God’s standards may seem challenging, but it is a journey worth embarking on. It requires a daily commitment to seek God’s guidance, to study His Word, and to rely on His strength. It is through this process that we can grow and become the people that God intends us to be.

In conclusion, receiving divine protection from God on Passover Night comes with the responsibility to live lives that are honest, sincere, truthful, loving, and righteous. By embracing these principles, we not only honor God but also become a source of light and inspiration to those around us.

The term “the Lord’s Supper“ is mentioned once in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians 11:20, where it refers to the Passover feast. However, it is important to understand that Jesus introduced significant changes to the feast symbols that were used under the old covenant.

Instead of the sacrificial animal, Christ Jesus established the use of bread to represent His body. Additionally, He used wine or the fruit of the vine to symbolize His blood, replacing the traditional bitter herbs.

In Matthew 26:20, Jesus sat down with His twelve disciples during the evening and while they were eating, He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is My body.” He then proceeded to take the cup, gave thanks, and passed it to them, instructing, “Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Jesus also mentioned that He would not partake of this fruit of the vine again until the day when He would drink it anew with them in His Father’s kingdom.

The concept of the Lord’s Supper encompasses these significant changes instituted by Jesus during the Passover feast. The bread now represents His body, and the wine or fruit of the vine represents His blood.

This act symbolizes the new covenant, emphasizing the remission of sins through His sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of Jesus profound sacrifice and the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity.

The Lord’s Supper is a significant ceremony that is traditionally observed at night. This practice is rooted in the belief that the original Passover, which the Lord’s Supper commemorates, also took place in the evening.

It is worth noting that, aside from the change in symbols, there is no difference between the Passover observed under the old covenant and the Lord’s Supper under the new covenant.

Furthermore, the Lord’s Supper is a solemn annual event that is held on a specific date, the 14th of Abib, every year. This is evident from Christ’s words, as recorded in Matthew 26:2, where He refers to the upcoming feast of the Passover and His impending betrayal and crucifixion. It is important to reiterate that, like other divine festivals, the Lord’s Supper is meant to be observed annually.

However, it is worth noting that many Christian denominations today have deviated from this annual observance and instead choose to partake in the Lord’s Supper at various intervals of their own choosing. Some may observe it daily, weekly, monthly, or even quarterly. While these practices may differ from the original intent of the Lord’s Supper as an annual feast, they are decisions made by individual denominations based on their specific beliefs and traditions.

In conclusion, the Lord’s Supper is traditionally observed at night, reflecting its connection to the original Passover. It is an annual solemn ceremony held on the 14th of Abib, but some Christian denominations have chosen to observe it at different intervals. These variations in practice do not diminish the significance of the Lord’s Supper but rather highlight the diversity within Christian traditions.

The significance of the feast calls for a special spiritual cleansing and preparation as required by God to be considered deserving of partaking in the Passover meal. It is crucial for individuals to engage in a comprehensive self-examination and address any spiritual weaknesses or sins that, if left unconfessed and un-repented, could lead to damnation.

i. Self-Reflection
The scripture from 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before participating in the meal. Those who consume the bread and cup of the Lord without worthiness are deemed guilty of disrespecting the body and blood of the Lord. Hence, individuals are urged to examine themselves and then partake in the bread and cup. Failure to do so may result in consuming damnation upon oneself, as they fail to recognize the significance of the Lord’s body.

The scripture further highlights that due to this neglect, many individuals may experience weakness, sickness, or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the Passover meal with the utmost reverence and sincerity, recognizing the need for self-examination and spiritual preparation.

ii. Washing of Feet
On the night of Passover, just before the meal, the Messiah introduced a new ritual that was not previously commanded or practiced under the old covenant. This ritual involved washing the feet of his disciples, an act of humility known as the ordinance of humility. In John 13:12-17, it is written: “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 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.”

This passage highlights the significance of the feet-washing ritual as an act of humility and service. Jesus, being their Master and Lord, took on the role of a servant by washing the feet of his disciples.

He emphasized that they should follow his example and wash one another’s feet as an expression of love and humility. This act serves as a reminder that no one is greater than their Lord, and those who understand and practice this act of service will find happiness in doing so.

The feet-washing ritual represents a profound lesson in humility and selflessness, reminding believers to serve one another with love and compassion. It is a powerful symbol of the servant-hearted nature of the Messiah and a call for his followers to emulate his example.

By practicing this act of humility, believers can foster unity, demonstrate love for one another, and experience the joy that comes from serving others.

The significance of the blood sacrifice made during the first Passover Night, as described in Exodus 12:13, was to serve as a sign to God, pleading for the Israelites safety from the impending plague of destruction.

Similarly, the blood of Christ, symbolized through the act of partaking in the Lord’s Supper, holds the promise of eternal life for faithful believers. In John 6:53-56, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of consuming His flesh and drinking His blood in order to possess true life.

Those who partake in this act are assured of eternal life and will be raised up on the last day. Jesus explains that His flesh is genuine food and His blood is true drink. By consuming His flesh and blood, believers not only abide in Him but also allow Him to dwell within them. Through this intimate connection, believers are granted the assurance of eternal life.