Jesus in the Passover

​As a church, we often gather to celebrate significant traditions, much like we do in our homes with holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July. These occasions are more than just rituals; they are steeped in meaning that connects us to the foundations of our faith and community. In the same way, the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is not merely about the bread and wine—it’s about something much deeper.

The Origins of Communion
To truly grasp the significance of Communion, we need to look back to its origins in the Jewish Passover, a tradition that dates back to the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 12, God instructs His people to celebrate Passover as a way to remember how He spared them from the final plague that struck Egypt, leading to their freedom. Each element of the Passover meal was rich with symbolism, from the unleavened bread to the bitter herbs, each telling a part of the story of God’s great act of deliverance.

When Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, He redefined this ancient meal, revealing that it was always pointing to Him. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring about the ultimate deliverance—not just from physical slavery, but from sin and death. The bread and wine, which we now take in Communion, symbolize His body and blood, given for us. As we partake, we are reminded that it’s not about the wafer; it’s about the Savior.

The Symbolism of Communion
Every detail in the Passover meal holds significance, and Jesus used this symbolism to reveal profound truths about Himself. The unleavened bread, or matzah, was pierced and striped, symbolizing Jesus’ body, which was pierced and whipped for our transgressions. The four cups of wine in the Passover Seder represent different aspects of God’s promises—sanctification, deliverance, redemption, and praise. When Jesus took the third cup, the Cup of Redemption, He declared it to be the new covenant in His blood, signifying the new relationship between God and His people through His sacrifice.

What’s more, Jesus left the fourth cup, the Cup of Praise, untouched, promising to drink it anew with us in the Kingdom of God. This points us forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the Messianic Kingdom, a future we can look forward to with hope.

Living Out the Meaning of Communion
As we reflect on the meaning of Communion, it’s vital that we let its truths shape our lives. Communion calls us to:

1. Remove Sin: Just as the Israelites cleansed their homes of leaven before Passover, we are called to examine our hearts and remove sin, turning away from anything that hinders our relationship with God.
2. Reflect on Your Salvation: Communion is a time to remember and reflect on the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation. Let it rekindle your love for the Gospel and remind you of God’s grace.
3. Remember the Savior: Don’t let the significance of the Lord’s Supper fade. Continually remind yourself of what Jesus has done for you, letting it fuel your worship and gratitude.
4. Retell the Story: Like the Passover, Communion is a story worth retelling. Share the message of God’s redemption with others, keeping the hope of the Gospel alive in your community.
5. Rejoice in the Shalom: As we wait for the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom, find joy in the peace He has already brought into your life through Jesus. And look forward with hope to the day when all things will be made new.

As we reflect on the elements of Communion each time we take it, let’s remember: it’s not about the wafer; it’s about the Savior. It’s about the incredible love of God that brought us from death to life, from bondage to freedom, and from sorrow to joy. Let this truth guide our hearts and our lives as we continue to follow Jesus.

- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 9/1/24.