Foreshadowed in Passover

Jesus gave new meaning to the Passover meal. The Passover meal commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery, but Jesus’ sacrifice of His body and blood would deliver all humanity from our slavery to sin and death.

From an Africa Study Bible learn note titled “Old Testament Festivals—The Passover”: 

The Old Testament festivals were the gatherings that allowed the children of Israel to acknowledge God’s role in history and in nature. They have a generic name in Hebrew, hagim, that comes from the word that means, “to celebrate.”

And the festivals were times of celebration. The great festivals in Jerusalem were times of singing, dancing, and community fellowship. They were national celebrations. As Africans and members of God’s community, we should know that God desires us to celebrate, eat, dance, and sing together. This is a precious part of our culture to God.

The Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread (Hag ha-Matzot), was a seven-day festival held in spring (March–April). It commemorated the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Its name comes from the tenth plague, when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites and spared first-born children from death. 

The celebration of Passover commemorated a historic event that is an essential part of the identity of the Jewish nation. We Christians, as part of the community of God’s saved people, must learn that our identity goes beyond the tradition of our ethnic origins. We belong to a body larger than the natural borders of our regions. Our identity is based on the saving work accomplished by Jesus Christ. Together, we must establish moments of common joyful celebration. 

During the celebration of the Jewish Passover, the Seder, each family eats the traditional Passover meal. When we celebrate Easter as a church family, we can explain the meaning of this meal, including the retelling of the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt and how that relates to the freedom from sin and death we have in Jesus.

Today: 

After learning about the historical roots of Easter, how do you view the symbols in your country that represent Easter? Do they enhance, distract, or diminish the gift of Christ? Brainstorm what biblical images and symbols could help you meditate on the real precious gift of Easter. Which is your favourite? Could you share it with your family and friends over the Easter meal this year?