Maundy Thursday - Passover Sacrifice

The institution of the Passover

The Hebrew term “Passover” derives from a verb meaning “to pass over” with the sense of “to spare”.

Celebrating the Passover

Instructions concerning its observance

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The Passover in the NT

Exodus 34:25 NLT

“You must not offer the blood of my sacrificial offerings together with any baked goods containing yeast. And none of the meat of the Passover sacrifice may be kept over until the next morning.

The need for ritual cleansing

John 11:55 NLT

It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began.

Provision for ritual uncleanness

Numbers 9:6–13 NLT

But some of the men had been ceremonially defiled by touching a dead body, so they could not celebrate the Passover that day. They came to Moses and Aaron that day and said, “We have become ceremonially unclean by touching a dead body. But why should we be prevented from presenting the Lord’s offering at the proper time with the rest of the Israelites?” Moses answered, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord.” This was the Lord’s reply to Moses. “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people now or in future generations are ceremonially unclean at Passover time because of touching a dead body, or if they are on a journey and cannot be present at the ceremony, they may still celebrate the Lord’s Passover. They must offer the Passover sacrifice one month later, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They must eat the Passover lamb at that time with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. They must not leave any of the lamb until the next morning, and they must not break any of its bones. They must follow all the normal regulations concerning the Passover. “But those who neglect to celebrate the Passover at the regular time, even though they are ceremonially clean and not away on a trip, will be cut off from the community of Israel. If they fail to present the Lord’s offering at the proper time, they will suffer the consequences of their guilt.

Provision for non-Jews

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Its observance in the OT

These occasions are times of spiritual renewal, when the nation remembered how the Lord had saved them:

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Ezekiel’s vision of the future observance of the Passover

Ezekiel 45:21–24 NLT

“On the fourteenth day of the first month, you must celebrate the Passover. This festival will last for seven days. The bread you eat during that time must be made without yeast. On the day of Passover the prince will provide a young bull as a sin offering for himself and the people of Israel. On each of the seven days of the feast he will prepare a burnt offering to the Lord, consisting of seven young bulls and seven rams without defects. A male goat will also be given each day for a sin offering. The prince will provide a basket of flour as a grain offering and a gallon of olive oil with each young bull and ram.

The Passover in the NT

Its observance

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It was celebrated by Jesus Christ

At Passover time Jesus Christ himself was sacrificed and he inaugurated the Lord’s Supper.

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Jesus Christ identified with the Passover lamb

1 Corinthians 5:7 NLT

Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.

Jesus Christ calls believers to follow his example

​ NLT And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.

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The qualities of Jesus Christ which set an example for believers

Self-denial

​ NLTDon’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

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Endurance of suffering

​ NLTFor God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

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Service

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Faithfulness

​ NLTAnd so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.

Love

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Patience

​ NLTBut God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Forgiveness of others

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Gentleness and humility

​ NLTTake my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Purity

​ NLTAnd all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

Prayer