“And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” God (YHWH) speaking to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 12:13 (ESV) around B.C. 1445.
After the research done on “Uncovering The Truth Behind Easter“, I wanted to continue down that RABBIT HOLE (haha, a pun) and learn more about the Lord’s Passover (and the Last Supper), the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Firstfruits. There is a lot going on in the span of a few days! These Biblical feasts hold profound significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. These observances not only commemorate historical events, but also offer spiritual insights into God’s redemptive plan and the work of Jesus Christ. Let’s explore these feasts from three perspectives: the inaugural, the anniversaries, and the parallels of Jesus’ crucifixion.
NOTE: Unleavened bread, matzah, is bread baked without yeast; therefore, it does not rise.
Prelude
The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for 430 years (ref. in Ex. 12:40), and through Moses, God demanded that Pharoh Ramesses II let His people go! Over the course of a few months, God sent 10 different plagues, with 9 of them directly relating to an Egyptian false god. The 9 plagues gave Pharoh an opportunity to do as God commanded, but he refused. The 10th plague, Death of the Firstborn, is what Exodus 12:13 is referring to.
The Lord's Passover (Pesach)
Inaugural (around B.C. 1445)
- Why: Because God said so! For God to “pass over” the Israelites (God’s chosen people) as He was carrying out Egypt’s 10th plague, the Death of the Firstborn. (ref. Ex. 12:13)
- What: Display a symbol of protection from God’s wrath and eat a meal in haste to prepare the exodus of Egypt.
- How: Each Israelite household sacrificed an unblemished, 1-year old, male lamb. They first applied its blood to their 2 doorposts and the lintel of the houses. They then roasted the lamb whole and consumed it with unleavened bread (matzo) and bitter herbs (the Seder meal) in haste. When God saw the blood around the door, He passed over the house.
- When: Passover began at twilight on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan.
Anniversaries
- Why: Observed as a memorial day, a statute, and a feast unto the Lord. (ref. Ex. 12:14; Lev. 23:4-5) Passover reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His saving grace. It symbolizes redemption, freedom, and the establishment of the covenant between God and His people.
- What: Each year, Jews (and some Christians) commemorate the anniversary of the original Passover event.
- How: Families gather for the Seder meal and symbolic foods are consumed, the Exodus story is retold, and prayers and blessings are recited. If you are interested in more details of the traditions, I found a resource online that may help.
When: Twilight of the 14th day of Nisan. Nisan lines up with the Gregorian calendar’s March / April timeframe. In 2024 A.D., it is the evening of Monday, April 22nd.
Jesus Parallels (around A.D. 30 – 33)
- The Seder meal was Jesus’ last meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This is known as the Last Supper or the Lord’s Supper.
- Christians take Communion (Eucharist) where they partake of the bread, symbolizing the body of Christ broken for them, and the wine (or grape juice), symbolizing the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of sins.
- For Passover, there were 3 spots of the door that had the blood of an unblemished lamb to protect from God’s judgement. For crucifixion, the 3 spots on the cross from THE unblemished Passover Lamb of God, Jesus, also protect from God’s judgement.
- Jesus’ sacrificial death occurred during the Passover festival, fulfilling its typology and inaugurating a new covenant of redemption for all humanity.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread
Inaugural (around B.C. 1445)
- Why: During this week, the Israelites left Egypt & traveled to the Red Sea in haste; therefore, did not have time to bake bread with yeast and allow it to rise. (ref. Ex. 12:39)
- What: For 7 days, only unleavened bread was consumed.
- How: Using the kneading bowls and dough they brought with them, they baked unleavened cakes. Unleavened bread could be baked quicker for consumption since there was no yeast to wait on to rise.
- When: The Passover meal initiates the Feast of Unleavened Bread and lasts for 7 days. Twilight on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, through the 21st day at twilight.
- Since the Israelites traveled in haste, day and night, it only took them 7 days to reach the Red Sea. After God got them safely across the parted Red Sea, He closed the parted sea on the Egyptians, thus eliminating the threat and the need for haste. Now, the Israelites had time to bake with yeast and allow the bread to rise.
Anniversaries
- Why: The commanded annual observance serves as a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness and His call to holiness and purity. (ref. Ex. 13:8-10)
- What: A week-long feast that commemorates the Israelites’ exodus and their dependence on unleavened bread and God. The 1st and last days of the Feast are High Sabbaths (annual holidays) in remembrance of the miracle of the Exodus and the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, respectively.
- How: Prior to the Passover meal, Preparation Day, families diligently remove leaven (yeast) from their homes. During the feast, unleavened bread is incorporated into the meals.
- When: The Passover meal initiates the Feast of Unleavened Bread and lasts for 7 days (8 days on the Gregorian calendar.) In 2024 A.D., it is the evening of Monday, April 22nd until sunset on Tuesday, April 30th.
Symbolism
Removing leaven is like the removal of sin and impurity from one’s life and having more dependence on God’s provision.
The Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim)
Inaugural (around B.C. 1400 – 1300)
- Why: God commanded this as a statue prior to the Israelites entering into the Promise Land as part of the Feasts unto the Lord. It is a thank you to God for blessing the land and the barley crops He provides, similar to the concept of a tithe. (ref. Lev. 23:9-14)
- What: After the people first reap barley, they bring it to the priest. The priest presented the first sheaf of the harvest as an offering to the Lord in the Temple.
- How: The sheaf was waved and the priest offered grain, oil, wine, and an unblemished 1-year old male lamb as a burnt offering. No bread or grain from the harvest is eaten until this.
- When: The day after the Saturday Sabbath following Passover in the first year Israel was settled.
Anniversaries
- Why: God commanded the annual Feast as a statue that marks the barley harvest season. It fosters a spirit of gratitude and stewardship among God’s people and reminder of God’s ongoing provision.
- What: Same as the inaugural. There are no specific dietary guidelines or prescribed meal components provided in scripture.
- How: Some people choose to incorporate symbolic foods or seasonal ingredients into their meal as a way to express gratitude for God’s provision. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as, berries, grapes, figs, pomegranates, dates, and olives. Unleavened bread or grain-based dishes and wine.
- When: Annually, the day after the Saturday Sabbath following Passover. 50 days prior to the offering of the secondfruits, Feast of Weeks.
Jesus Parallels (around A.D. 30 – 33)
The Feast of Firstfruits is associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as He is referred to as the “firstfruits” of those who have fallen asleep (ref. 1 Cor. 15:20).
The Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and Feast of Firstfruits are not only historical events but also profound symbols of God’s faithfulness, provision, and redemption. From their inaugural significance to their annual observance and their parallels to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, these feasts continue to speak to believers today, inviting us to remember God’s past acts of deliverance and anticipate His future promises of redemption. May we honor these sacred observances and deepen our understanding of God’s redemptive plan through them.
Thank you & God Bless,
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Volume 15 Issue 09 (71)
