Last night we had the opportunity to attend a Passover Seder led by a Messianic-Jewish congregation . Ever been? If not, let me strongly encourage you to find one next year. It will put a fresh, new perspective on Easter. This was my second one, however, the first complete one.
We followed along as we went through this book that explained the historical and scriptual reasons behind Passover. First, preparing the home. All leavened foods (anything with yeast) must be removed. The Israelites had to be ready at a moments notice to leave and therefore wouldn't have time to wait for bread to rise. The disciples also 'prepared' the upper room for Jesus. Second, preparing the heart. Leaven is a picture of pride, sin and unbelief which breaks our relationship with God. We become free from sin (leaven) when we accept salvation through Jesus. Third, preparing for the herald. John the Baptist heralded Jesus at His baptism. (The tradition of leaving an empty seat for Elijah is a long explanation so I won't go into all that, just picture an empty chair at the table.)
The Seder begins with the woman of the house lighting candles symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World coming through a woman/virgin. (I don't remember the non-Messianic symbol.) Then we ate bitter herbs (parsley dipped in salt water) to symbolize the slavery of the Israelites and the bondage of sin.
The man of the house then takes the middle of three pieces of matzah (unleavened bread) breaks it in half and hides it. Scriptual reference to this is the Holy Trinity, Jesus being the middle piece that was crucified and buried. We drank the first of four cups (grape juice) to remeber the blessings of redemption. A basket of matzah was passed, each person takes a piece and dips it into horseradish. Tears caused from this symbolize the tears shed during slavery. Then more matzah is dipped into a sweet apple relish to symbolize that their labor seemed sweet knowing that redemption was near. Next would come the egg, which we didn't do, but that symbolizes coming out of bondage, Jesus rising from the dead, and our eternal life with its round, endless shape.
Questions were asked why this night was different from all other nights. One boy spoke in Hebrew, another in English, and the story of the first Passover was told. Each plague was mentioned and remembered by a drop from the 'wine' (grape juice) cup, including the lamb's blood that had to put on the doorposts of the house. This lamb must be perfect when slain which symbolizes Jesus as the perfect sacrificial lamb. Typically the shankbone of a lamb is kept on the Seder plate as a reminder of this final sacrifice. Then we drank the second cup and ate our meal of roast chicken, potatoes, green beans, and chocolate mousse for dessert.
The matzah that was broken is passed and each person breaks off a piece to remember the Passover Lamb and redemption from Egypt but also in remembrance of Jesus body that was given for us. This was followed by the third cup which symbolizes Jesus blood, the New Covenant, and the fact that all may have relationship with Him.
We ended with the fourth cup to rejoice about Jesus coming again to bring us to the New Jerusalem. (Traditionally it's to acknowledge Elijah's absence, again, long explanantion.)
It was amazing to see how closely related the Old and New Testaments are. The fact that God used the first Passover as a prophetic way to foretell of Jesus-WOW! What a Mighty God we serve!
