Host a Messianic Passover Seder

Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

Matthew 26:17-19

The Passover Seder 

For centuries upon centuries, the Jewish people have gathered for this celebration and remembrance of their deliverance from captivity. Families around the world retell the age old story of Pharaoh, his hard heart, and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Who delivered them from their oppressors with amazing miracles.

Yeshua was no different. 

With his disciples He gathered and ate. 
This was The Last Supper, where our Messiah told us to continue to do these things in His remembrance. 

So why shouldn't His disciples today also host a Passover Seder in His rememberance?

Our Passover Lamb

God told us to sacrifice a lamb each year at Passover. This tradition is a reminder of the lambs sacrificed and the blood placed over the doors of the Israelite homes while death angel came and killed all of the first born in Egypt. That protective blood made sure death passed over their homes. The lamb had to be spotless, perfect, young, and without any blemishes. See where I am going here?

1. Jesus' death on the cross: In the Passover story, the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death, and Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice that saves believers from sin and death.

2. The Last Supper: During the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the sharing of bread and wine as a representation of his body and blood. This act is a continuation of the Passover tradition of sharing the sacrificial lamb.

3. The Resurrection: Just as the Israelites were delivered from slavery and death, Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate liberation from sin and death.

In summary, Jesus fulfilled Passover by becoming the ultimate sacrificial lamb and offering liberation from sin and death through his resurrection.

Hosting a Seder

In our family, we host a seder annually to recall the freedom we have in our Messiah as well as the great redemption from slavery our ancestors experienced in Egypt. 

There are certain foods and elements that should be present on a Seder table. A table leader retells the Passover story and a child asks the four questions. This is a special way we teach and disciple our children in God's ways. You can grab our family Passover guide for an in depth description, complete with prayers, picture books for younger children, and even a Haggadah!

Seder elements:

1. Parsley sprigs – one small sprig per person 

2. Charoset – bowl containing 1-2 tablespoons per person. (charoset is a mixture of finely chopped apples and walnuts, cinnamon, and grape juice. Recipes vary, but consistency should be more like mortar than applesauce).

3. Lettuce

4. Horseradish – bowl with two heaping tablespoons. The stronger the horseradish the better!

5. Salt water – bowl of water with sufficient salt to taste

6. Matzah – three unleavened bread "boards" 

7. Grape juice – plain or sparkling; enough to refill 1 small cup 4 times per person. 

8. Roasted egg – unshelled 

9. Lamb shank bone - we roast ours and position the 2 pieces as a cross

10. Basin & pitcher with towel for hand washing

11. Two tapered non-drip candles in candleholders

12. Matches

A seder plate is not required, but can be a nice staple to have. 

Next year in Jerusalem!

In most Jewish families, Passover is a celebration, a party. At the end of the seder, there is singing and dancing and everyone says to one another, 

"Next year, in Jerusalem!"

Friends, I hope that you won't let this year's Passover pass over you! Find a way to celebrate our redemption and our perfect Passover lamb, with those you love at your Passover seder meal.