PASSOVER

UNLEAVENED BREAD

WHAT THIS DAY IS ABOUT

The Passover stands as a profound celebration of salvation, commemorating the deliverance from Egyptian bondage. In this sacred observance, we recognize the pivotal role of Christ, who, as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, transcended the ancient rituals. His atoning sacrifice redeems us, covering our multitude of sins with His precious blood.

In this current era, the necessity for further offerings has been abolished, as Christ has fulfilled the longstanding law of sacrifice, rendering it complete through His grace. Thus, we gather to honor The Most High and our Savior, reflecting on the mercy and love embodied in this transcendent act. Let us be reminded that our faith is steeped in gratitude for the liberation gifted to us, an enduring testament to divine love and sacrifice.

HOW WE CELEBRATE THIS DAY

As we approach the sacred observance of Passover, we are reminded of the significant instructions laid out in Exodus 12. This annual celebration invites us to gather in a Holy Convocation, partaking in a meal of roasted lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. Emulating the practices of our forefathers, we honor the profound essence of this holy tradition.

In Exodus 12:8-9, we find explicit guidance on the preparation of the lamb: “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” It is essential that we remember to prepare the lamb in accordance with these sacred instructions—roasted, not raw or boiled, ensuring that we are consuming it just as our ancestors did. This intentional observance is a reminder of the deliverance experienced by the children of Israel.

As we celebrate, let us also recognize the completion of this significant sacrament through Christ, who became our ultimate Passover Lamb by sacrificing Himself for our sins. While we do not partake in the sacrificial aspects of the Passover, we reflect with gratitude on the fulfillment that Christ has provided.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a majestic accompaniment to this celebration. For the duration of seven days, we participate in the spiritual cleansing of our homes by removing all leaven. This directive, as outlined in Exodus 12:19-20, instructs us: “Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses... Ye shall eat nothing leavened.” Thus, we are called to feast on unleavened bread, embracing the importance of purity and remembrance in our spiritual lives.

The first and seventh days of this feast shall be dedicated to a Holy Convocation. During these gatherings, we will unite in reverence, sharing in the rich symbolism of our faith and the historical significance of our heritage as a community bound by covenant.

May our observance of Passover this year not only honor our traditions but also deepen our understanding of the liberation and grace granted to us through Christ. Let us approach this sacred time with reflective hearts, open to the powerful lessons it imparts.

SCRIPTURES

LEVITICUS 23:4-8

EXODUS 12:11, 21, 27, 43, 48

NUMBERS 9:2, 4, 5

JOSHUA 5:10

MATTHEW 26:2, 17-19

ACTS 12:3

ACTS 20:6