Celebrating Passover

Growing up in South Florida, I had friends of all colors and religious affiliations. Because of this, I have always enjoyed learning about other cultures and traditions. I grew up with a dear friend who was raised Jewish and whose family included me in many of their religious traditions.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to learn more about Jewish tradition and how many of their practices point directly to the life of Jesus. I was fortunate enough to participate in a Seder meal led by Murray Tilles, founder of Light of Messiah ministries in Atlanta. He grew up Jewish and became a believer in Jesus over 20 years ago. Because of his rich Jewish history, he is now able, as a believer in Jesus, to see the incredible symbolism behind many of the traditions that point to Christ.

Here are a few things I learned about the Seder Meal:
(The meal held on the first night of Passover week)

The reason that Jewish people don't eat anything with leaven during the week of Passover is symbolic. Leaven "puffs up" bread just as pride "puffs up" a person. It is a symbol that they are working to break the cycle of sin in their lives.
(Similar to the practice of Christians giving something up for Lent.)

Matzoh- the unleavened bread that is eaten during Passover is striped and pierced. To those who are Jewish and have come to know Jesus as their Lord, this is a great reminder each time they eat it.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his stripes we are healed."
Isaiah 53:4-5

In the Biblical account of the Last Supper, it is mentioned that Jesus and His disciples reclined while they ate. During a traditional Seder, this is also true. This is a symbol that the redeemed use to express their freedom.

During the passover meal, there is a cloth pouch on the table called a matzoh tosh. On the inside, there are three compartments- each holds a piece of matzoh. During the meal, the host will pull out the piece of matzoh in the middle of the pouch. He will break it in half and wrap it in a white linen cloth. He will then hide it somewhere around the house. Once hidden, the children will race to find this hidden piece of matzoh named the "afikomen". Once it is found, it it broken and eaten with wine.

To Christians, it is easy to see that the middle piece of matzoh is taken out to represent the middle person of the trinity- the Son. It is broken, wrapped in linen cloth, hidden and sought after as a treasure. It is clear that Jesus participated in this tradition and shared with His disciples that it was "His body...broken for you".

Isn't the symbolism amazing? It is hard to believe that my Jewish friends might not have ever heard these parallels. They seem so clear- and amazing that Jesus Himself went through these rituals to show Himself to His people.

I could go on and on, but if you are interested in learning more, click on the Light of Messiah link above. There are many books and resources that might prove helpful if you are interested in having a specific ministry with your friends who are Jewish or if you are just interested in learning more about our Jewish Jesus.