Why Should Christians Keep the Passover? article by Allen Stout Will we follow Jesus example? Jesus Christ observed the Passover. The Bible makes this clear in many passages (Matthew:26:2, 17-19; Luke:2:41-42; 22:1, 7-20; John:2:13, 23; 13:1-30; 1 Corinthians:11:23-29). His words and actions at His last Passover provide us profound lessons about our relationships with Him and our fellow human beings. Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed (Luke:22:7). According to Gods instructions, a new day begins with the evening (Genesis:1:5), not at midnight. Jesus Christ and His disciples assembled that evening in a large upper room. And supper being ended . . . [Jesus] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, and took a towel . . . and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel ... (John:13:2, 4-5). Assuming the role of a servant, Jesus washed His disciples feet and said to them: If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you . . . If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John:13:14-15,17). Jesus carried out this humble act of service to show His disciples that His true followers must be led by a giving, serving attitude. He tells us all by implication to follow His example (see A Lesson for All Time, p. E4). On that same evening Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is [or means, James Moffatt Translation; i.e., represents] My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me (Luke:22:19). He also took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. For this is [represents] My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew:26:27-28). A lasting memorial The Bible makes it clear that all who will follow Christ should observe this New Testament Passover in remembrance of His love and sacrifice for our sins and as a reminder of our commitment to Him for what God has done in our lives (1 Corinthians:5:7-8; Luke:22:19; 14:21-24). We are to avoid observing the Passover in an unworthy manner, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians: For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lords death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians:11:26-27). Many readers of this scripture have not comprehended the significance of Pauls warning. Some, incorrectly feeling they were not worthy of Christs sacrifice, have elected not to take the Passover. Others have taken the Passover in attitudes ranging from casual to ritualistic to superstitious. Nothing is magical about the unleavened bread and the wine Jesus used; they were simply symbols to remind us of His sacrifice for our sin. To be continued..
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:52:53 +0000
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