The Importance of Passover to Christians

Rejoice! For Christ is Risen!

This time of year is one of the very most important for Christians. Right now, we are inbetween Passover and Easter, two of our most important biblical events. One celebrating the release of the Jews from slavery in Egypt and the other celebrating Christ rising from the tomb to save us. Although Passover is important to Jews, Christians rarely are familiar with the important elements of the Seder, a dinner celebrating the event. The items below are items put at every plate for the Seder.

This is the first of three emails you will receive before Easter in hopes that this knowledge will help guide your prayers, inspire you, and encourage you to thank God for his many blessings!

COMMUNION CONNECTION - The Last Supper was really a Passover Seder! It was during the third cup when Yeshua proclaimed, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20; cf. Ex.24:8). When anyone applies this blood, by faith, to the doorpost of their heart, God saves them eternally. Furthermore, it was with a piece of matzah that Yeshua said, “This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22: 19). During communion we identify with, and proclaim, Messiah Yeshua in His saving death and resurrection (1 Cor.11:26) until He returns.

Passover Seder Plate Guide

FOUR CUPS - These cups are based on God's four “I will...” promises in Exodus 6:6-7 and guide the entire flow of the Seder. They are known as the Cups of (1) Sanctification, (2) Deliverance/Plagues, (3) Redemption/Blessing, and (4) Restoration/Praise. There is traditionally an additional, fifth “Cup of Elijah” which invites this anticipated forerunner of the Messiah (Ma1.4:5[Eng]/3:23[Heb]) to come.

KARPAS (“Green Leafy Vegetable”) - Parsley is dipped in salt water and eaten. Parsley symbolizes the hyssop used by faithful Israelites to mark their doors with lamb's blood thus saving them from the Angel of Death (Ex.12:22; cf. Ps.51:7; John 19:29). Parsley also represents springtime which is the season of Passover.

SALT WATER - This represents tears shed while suffering under the bondage of slavery. It also reminds us of the parting of the salty sea enabling Israel to escape Pharaoh's wrath (Ex. 14:22).

MAROR (“Bitter Herbs”) - The horseradish root is very bitter and reminds us of the bitterness of slavery. Israel experienced the bitterness of slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt. Understanding the Gospel begins by recognizing the bitterness of slavery to sin (Ro.7:14; 8:7-9).

CHAROSET (Kha-row-set) - The taste of this sweet mixture of apples, nuts and honey reminds us of the sweetness of freedom! While God freed Israel through Moses, He sets all people free from the power and penalty of sin through Messiah Yeshua (John 8:36; Ro.8:2; Gal.5:1)! Visually, it symbolizes the mortar used by ancient Israelites when building with bricks they were forced to bake in grueling hot sun (Ex.l:14, 5;6-18).

BEITZAH (“Roasted' Egg”) - This is symbolic of the festival sacrifice made in biblical times. On Passover, an additional sacrifice of the Paschal lamb was offered as well. Since the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., neither the festival sacrifice nor the special Passover sacrifice could be offered. It is customary to roast the egg just like the animal sacrifice would be roasted in fire.

ZEROAH (“Roasted Shankbone”) - Symbolic of the special Passover lamb offering (Ex.12:1-13). Yeshua is called the “Lamb of God” (Jo.1:29, 36; see also lCor.5.7). Zeroah HaShem means “arm of the LORD” which God uses to save His people (Deut.26:8; Isa.53:1; Jo.12:38-41).

MATZAH (“Unleavened Bread”) - Matzah is used throughout the Seder. The Matzah Tosh, one pouch consisting of three separate layers, contains three pieces of matzah. The middle piece is broken and the broken half, called the afikomen (from Greek 'aphikomenos' - the one who has arrived; or 'epikomion' dessert) is wrapped and hidden. After the meal, the children customarily search for the afikomen and then redeem it for a reward from the Seder leader. Afikomen pieces are then the last thing eaten at the Seder. Thus, like Yeshua, the afikomen is broken, buried and yet returns again.

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this information from www.faith-for-all.com.

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