Passover

February 7, 2016 Background Scripture: Exodus 12:1 – 14; Numbers 28:16 – 25; Mark 14:12 – 26 Lesson Passage: Exodus 12:1 – 14 The Passover event represented many things of significance for the nation of Israel. First and foremost, the Passover event was the absolute demonstration that they were created as a nation of people by God to be used for His purpose. The nation of Israel would become the human channel through which God would express His holiness and reveal Himself as the creator and savior of all mankind. Secondly, the Passover event was an public demonstration of God’s direct intervention in the earthly affairs of mankind. Through this demonstration, God showed how powerless man’s efforts are to resist His will and actions. God used both the forces of nature and His own direct actions to frustrate those who resisted and showed themselves to be enemies of His divine rule. Thirdly, the Passover event was a clear demonstration of God’s ability and willingness to protect His people who are called by His name in the midst of calamity all around them. Further, the Passover event was a disruptive interference in the course of human history by an omnipotent and yet merciful God. The Passover event should have served as a wakeup call to all of mankind. However, because of the hardness of man’s heart, even those who were protected needed to be constantly reminded of the works of God on their behalf. Likewise, their descendants needed to be assured that just as God was with their ancestors, He would also be with them. Hence, the annual Passover celebration was initiated so that all of Israel would be reminded of the first Passover event. The month of this celebration was used to set the beginning of a new calendar to be used by the Hebrew people to mark time over a twelve month interval. The first month of the Jewish year would always include a holy celebration of the Passover event. The name “Passover” was descriptive of the event. On that fateful night in Egypt, God sent a death angel through the land to kill the firstborn of all of the Egyptians as well as their livestock. The Jews in Egypt were spared because they followed God’s instructions to kill a lamb and smear its blood over the doors and on the sides of the doors to their houses. They were to remain in their houses that night for their safety. The death angel saw the blood of the lamb and passed over those houses and thus spared all who were inside. Israel has been commanded by God to observe the Passover with a feast throughout all of their generations. The Passover is considered more than a holiday. It is to be observed as a “holy day” in Israel. During the celebration, the diet they eat is prescribed by God. Jesus celebrated the Passover during his pilgrimage on earth. He rejoiced in anticipation of celebrating a special Passover with his disciples prior to his crucifixion and death. That Passover was special because it was after that Passover Supper that Jesus taught his disciples that he is the Passover Lamb for the world. On that evening, Jesus instituted a simple celebration we now know as the Lord’s Supper to remind his followers of his role as our savior. Robert C. Hudson January 28, 2016