CTG 0017

PASSOVER

Before the temple's destruction by the Roman army, first century Jerusalem is estimated as having had a population somewhere between 25000 and 30000. But during the celebration of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened​ Bread it expanded to about 250000 or even 300000. Groups of people, Jews and proselytes, descended upon the city from various places throughout the land and from further afield. They found lodgings within the city walls or places to stay in the immediate vicinity.

For each household a lamb was sacrificed at the temple, where its blood was shed. Its roasted flesh was eaten after sundown in each home, as a memorial. This was done in memory of the first Passover, when the people of Israel, centuries before, were delivered from slavery by the mighty hand of God.

Jesus was also in Jerusalem. He and his disciples had the use of a large upper guest room where they could eat the Passover meal together.

During the course of the evening, Jesus initiated a new memorial. He took bread, broke it and said "this is my body." Taking the cup he said "this is the new covenant in my blood." In this way our Lord introduced a practice whereby​ believers, following our Saviour's resurrection and ascension, would corporately and gratefully remember his sacrificial death on our behalf.

The amazing events experienced historically by the people of Israel provided the prophetical backdrop for a far greater eternal deliverance that Jesus was now going to provide for all people groups, for all who believe. The time of fulfilment had arrived.

Christ ... our passover lamb

Betrayed by one of his apostles for a monetary reward, Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest. He was condemned by a hastily gathered Jewish council and handed over by his own people to the Roman authority. After being viciously tortured he was crucified, an excruciating execution. As he bore and suffered for the sins of the world, as our substitute, the righteous one on behalf of the unrighteous, he cried out to his Father: "... my God, why have you forsaken me?" And before he died: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!"

He completed the mission his Father had given him, fulfilling what the scriptures foretold. The penalty for our sin was paid in full. This is the reason why his Father sent him into this world.

His one perfect sacrifice of himself is totally sufficient for our eternal salvation.

Early on the first day of the week Jesus rose from the dead. And he's alive forevermore.

To be continued ...

FOR FURTHER READING:
Exodus 12
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 10:32-34;
John 1:29; 3:16; 4:42; 10:14-18; 12:32
1 John 2:2; 3:5; 4:14
Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22
Luke 23:46; Psalm 31:5
John 19:28-30
1 Peter 3:18
1 Corinthians 5:7-8
1 Peter 2:22-25
Hebrews 7:25-27; 9:11-12; 10:11-14
Galatians 2:20; 6:14
Revelation 1:17-18
Matthew 26:1-28:20
Mark 14:1-16:20
Luke 22:1-24:53
John 12:1-21:25