Passover and Christ

[Veritas]

WARNING: LONG POSTS!

I went to a Passover Seder Haggadah put on by our church. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's the Passover feast as outlined by a Rabbi from 170AD or so. All in all, I found it very interesting. It was awesome to see how Jesus brought forth the new covenant and holy communion from Passover.

I got pretty excited about what I was learning so I started comparing it to the Bible and to Jesus' words a little more closely. I'm presenting the Seder Haggadah in a whittled down and slightly edited format because its long and I wanted to get more of a sense of what Passover was like in the time of Jesus. The destruction of the temple, for example, prevents the Jews from following the Passover as the Bible outlines, and I think they added stuff too.

So, I'm using green to indicate the passover rituals/prayers already existant in the Haggadah and red for the Bible verses I added that directly relate. I definately don't feel like I've whittled it down to represent a perfect representation of what was being done at Passover at the time of Jesus, but thats okay, there are some interesting contrasts in it too!

Its long.. but I hope you find it as interesting as I did!

 

[Veritas]

The Blessing of Wine, KADESH
First cup of wine is the cup of blessing. The cup is raised and a prayer is said:

“Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you created the fruit of the vine. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you choose us for your service and taught us to know what is freedom and what is slavery. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you honor us by this holy festival. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have kept us in life and have brought us to this feast of freedom.â€Â

The first cup is drank.

The Washing of the Hands, URCHATZ

Symbolic act of cleansing for a holy occasion.

(Jesus) got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:4-17

Eating a Green Vegetable, KARPAS:

The green fruit of the earth is dipped into the saltwater, and a prayer is said:

“We give thanks to God for all his gifts and share this fruit of the earth. We remember that our ancestors tilled the soil and were always grateful for the earth's produce. As we taste the salt water, we remember the tears shed by Israel when they were slaves and by people everywhere who are not free. May our thanks for the blessing we enjoy help to soften the
pain of sorrow, and change the tears to joy and thankfulness. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who created the fruit of the earth.â€Â

Retelling of The Passover Story, MAGGID

Once we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, but God brought us out from that land with a mighty hand. Had he not rescued us from Pharaoh, surely we and our children would still be slaves, and without freedom and dignity. And so we gather year after year to retell this ancient story. For really, it is not ancient but eternal in its message and spirit.

We eat these unleavened cakes to remember that our ancestors were in such a hurry to leave Egypt tat they couldn't wait for bread to raise and took it from the ovens while it was still flat. Exodus 12:39

We eat bitter herbs on this night so we might taste of some bitterness and remind ourselves how bitter it is to be caught in the grip of slavery.

To recline at meals in ancient days was a sign of freedom. On this night of Passover we show our sense of complete freedom by leaning back as we eat.

So they(the disciples) prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. Luke 22:13-14

In Abraham's day, God foretold the bond his people would know. But God promised to save his people from this bondage and bring judgment on those who enslaved Israel. Great was God's promise, fulfilled so long ago. Great are God's promises in every age. They give hope to a suffering and downtrodden people. In every age, oppressors rose to crush our spirit and bring us low. In many land and many ages, the flame of our life faced the fierce winds of tyranny. Yet in all theses struggles, God's help and guidance assured our survival. Our help is strong and our faith sure that no enemy shall ever triumph over Israel.

Scripture tells that in a time of famine our ancestor Jacob left his home in Canaan with all his relatives and possessions to find food in Egypt. Only 70 people went with Jacob, but over time they grew to be a mighty people. The Egyptians became afraid the Israelites would betray them, so they decided to wear them out with forced labor and reduce their numbers by throwing male children into the river to drown. It was too much to bear. The Israelites cried out to God, and God heard them. He called Moses to tell Pharaoh to let the people go, but Pharaoh wouldn't listen. Only after ten horrible plagues, when his own son lay dead, did Pharaoh tell Moses to take the people out.

When people go against God's will, they bring pain and suffering on themselves. God's law helps us: to deny it and do evil hurts us.

When Pharaoh defied God's command to let the Israelites go, he invited trouble for himself and his people. Yet we do not rejoice over the Egyptians downfall and defeat. We see all people as God's children; even enemies who seek to destroy our people. When they meet with suffering and death for the sake of our welfare, we mourn their loss and are sad for their destruction.

"We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." John 8:41-47

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27

A full cup is the symbol of complete joy. Though we celebrate tonight, our happiness is not complete while others must hurt. Therefore, we take wine from our cups as we remember the plagues visited upon the Egyptians to show our sorrow for their losses. We now recite the list of Ten Plagues, pouring off wine into the salt water as each mentioned.

The struggle for freedom never ends, for humans never reach total liberty and opportunity. In every age, some new freedom is won that adds to human happiness and safety. Yet each age uncovers a new slavery, requiring new liberation to set us free. The events in Egypt were only a beginning of a force that will go on forever. In this spirit, we also participate in the Exodus, for we must dedicate ourselves to the work God began there.

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.†John 8:31-36

cont....

 

[Veritas]

Second Cup of Wine: The Cup of Deliverance

Reading of Psalm 114 and a prayer:

“Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who redeemed our ancestors from Egypt and brought us here to this celebration. May it be your will, O God, to give us life and bring us in peace to many more festivals, holy days, and celebrations. May those times inspire us to rebuild the land of Israel, restore the city of Jerusalem, and cause your people everywhere to draw closer to your service. Then we give you thanks with a new song for our freedom. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who created the fruit of the vine.â€Â

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. Luke 22:17-18

Washing of Hands, RAHATZ

“Blessed are you, O Lord our God, you make us holy by your commandments and command us to eat this breadâ€Â

Blessing over the MATZAH(Bread),

“Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who brings forth bread from the earth. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, you make us holy by your commandments and command us to eat matzah.â€Â

The matzah is broken and given to all.

And Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.â€ÂLuke 22:19

Eating of the Bitter Herb, MAROR

We now eat the maror. Thus we remember how bitter is slavery. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, you make us holy by your commandments and command to eat the bitter herbs. Numbers 9:11

The Matzah is broken, given to all and dipped in a bitter herb.

Jesus foresees a bitter betrayal:

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me – one who is eating with me.†They were saddened and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?â€Â
“It is one of the Twelve†he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born†Mark 14:20-21, John 13:21-30

The Passover Meal, SHULCHAN ORAYCH

Passover Lamb, PESACH:

The Pesach, the sacrificial lamb, is the last food to be eaten. It is the dessert or “that which comes lastâ€Â. It reminds us that the Lord passed over the homes of the Jews and saved the firstborn from death.

John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:7

...The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7


The bones of the sacrificial lamb are not to be broken: Exodus 12:46-47, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20

But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. John 19:33


Grace after the Passover Meal, BORAYCH:

Let us bless God's name forever and ever. On behalf of all those at this table, we offer thanks to God for the food we have eaten. Blessed are You, O Lord our God, because in your goodness you feed the whole world, and in mercy you give all living creatures what they need to live. The blessing of food has never failed us for in your goodness you provide for all our needs. On this festival of freedom we pray that liberty and peace will come to all people. Bless us upon this day and on every day You who deal kindly with all creatures, we ask you to deal kindly also with us. Amen

Jesus said: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Matthew 6:25-29

The Lord will never forsake the righteous nor shall their children ever hunger for bread. May the Lord give strength to his people; may God bless them with peace.

The Third Cup, the Cup of Redemption

Behold we are about to share the third cup of wine, which reminds us of God's redemption indicated in the scripture: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.†Exodus 6:6 Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who created the fruit of the vine.

Jesus took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you.†Luke 22:20

Throughout our people's history, Elijah, the prophet, has been the beloved character pictured in legends as the bearer of good news. Jewish legend tells how Elijah mystically appears in times of trouble to promise relief, to lift sad spirits, and to plant hope in downcast hearts. Jewish tradition tells that Elijah's greatest mission is to come before the promised Messiah and announce his arrival, which will bring freedom and peace for all people.

"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.... "And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord," Luke 1:13-17

Jesus said: "For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come." Matthew 11:13-14

Recital of the Psalms HALLEL

The Cup of Fulfillment, Hope and Freedom
We now partake of the fourth and final cup of wine as it is said: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who created the fruit of the vine.

This is the cup Jesus was referring to in Luke 22:17-18. The one He won't drink of again until all is fufilled.

Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! Revelation 19:9

 

[jgredline]

A few years ago, I also attended it one...It was quite the awe some to say the least....

 

[Vic C.]

WARNING: LONG POSTS!

I went to a Passover Seder Haggadah put on by our church. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's the Passover feast as outlined by a Rabbi from 170AD or so. All in all, I found it very interesting. It was awesome to see how Jesus brought forth the new covenant and holy communion from Passover....

EVERY Christian should experince this at least once in their lifetime. I didn't do it this year, but I do hold in my possession as I type, an English/Hebrew copy of the Passover Haggadah... and you read it from what we call the back and flip the pages left to right.

 

[Gabbylittleangel]

WARNING: LONG POSTS!...
I got pretty excited about what I was learning so I started comparing it to the Bible and to Jesus' words a little more closely. I'm presenting the Seder Haggadah in a whittled down and slightly edited format because its long and I wanted to get more of a sense of what Passover was like in the time of Jesus. ...Its long.. but I hope you find it as interesting as I did!

Long but EXTREMELY interesting! Thanks Veritas.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Yes, thanks for sharing all this with us. I remember years ago---- when I was yet in my late twenties, or maybe about 30 years old we had a Passover meal in our church and received a copy of the Haggadah. I agree that every Christian should experience this at least once, and understand that the Passover was a foreshadowing of Christ's death. This way, it is not perceived as OT Jewish customs that are no longer needed in NT Gentile Christianity. They need to understand that Christ is our Passover---- the Jews celebrated in the shadow, and Christ was the substance.