According to YHWH’s calendar, the appointed time of Passover has come upon us [cf. Ex. 12; Lev. 23]. 
For centuries, Israel celebrated [or perhaps, were supposed to celebrate] this feast. This designated time was a memorial to commemorate Israel exodus from Egypt. YHWH redeemed the multitude of Israel in one day’s time with his outstretched arm and great acts of judgment.
Fast forwarding roughly two thousand years, we see Jesus’ final days on earth unfold during this same appointed season. He celebrated the memorial with his disciples a night early. However, during this celebration Jesus made some rather bold claims. When they had finished eating, Jesus lifted the Cup of Blessing, which the Israelites lifted each year, and said, “this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Prior to that, Jesus, after saying a blessing for the bread, broke it and stated: “This is my body, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.”
According to custom, after the meal, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn and then wandered into the garden on the Mount of Olives. They kept vigil; well, at least Jesus did.
It was the longest day of his life. / Up all night making ready to face his plight. / He knew what was coming but he stayed alert. / All the strength in his soul he had to exert. / So much so, blood dripped through his pours. / Here in-lied the culmination of all the wars. / He beckoned his father to re-route providence. / But he also insisted the course consisted of consistent prophetic evidence. / Hence, the cup to drink ended in death. / Separated from life, fully expended his breath. / The ones who were the closest were the ones who slept. / “Wake up”, he said, “This night a vigil’s supposed to be kept. / Just one hour is all I ask. / Soon, all that I’ve told you will come to pass.”
Jesus was betrayed, falsely accused, tried by a corrupt council, and then condemned to death. At the same time Jesus’ blood dripped off his body while he hung on the tree, the lambs’ blood was being collected in bowls in the Temple.
Coincidence? I think not.
Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [1 Cor. 5:7-8; ESV]
Let us celebrate our exodus from bondage, which was wrought by the blood of the Redeemer himself – Messiah Jesus.
[image from Guru Films]
