Nougat 15

Many of us are challenged by the actual date of Jesus death and even opt to forego the commemoration; do you? In today’s Holy Nougat we can see what really matters and may find the freedom to celebrate.

“And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” ‭‭John‬ ‭19:42‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Within the Jewish tradition of the day, “every week, preparations had to be made for the Sabbath—food had to be prepared ahead of time”. This fulfilled adherence to NOT working on the Sabbath and became known as the day of preparation. It follows then that the day of preparation for the Passover was like any other day of preparation; except that it applied to the Passover (week-long) preparations. Some scholars argue whether that is correct, or not as it leads to other questions about Jesus having the Seder (Passover) meal prior to the actual Passover feast.

For me, it is something else that makes it important; and it relates to the purpose of the commemoration and the significance of Christ’s crucifixion. If we revert to the origin of the Passover, we recall that the Children of Israel (later called the Jews) were under bondage by Egypt. After years upon untenable years their release from enslavement was imminent. Nine plagues (miraculous warnings) had been visited upon Egypt; but the pharaoh of the day chose to disregard the warnings; as his sorcerers were capable of replicating most of the plagues (Exodus 5-10).

The tenth plague however was the deal-breaker.

For God said to Moses, “I will strike Pharaoh and the land of Egypt with one more blow. After that, Pharaoh will let you leave this country. In fact, he will be so eager to get rid of you that he will force you all to leave.” ‭‭(Exodus‬ ‭11:1‬) That was the death of ALL Firstborn males in Egypt – both humans and animals!‬‬ That was the ultimate blow. One might possibly have more children but there’s only one firstborn. And the sorcerers were not versed in resurrection!

This feat would be effected by God’s visit to the heart of Egypt (11:4). The Children of Israel could escape the fate of the Egyptians only if they had the sign of Blood on their doors. It was a bold step of Faith for the previous warnings didn’t phase the pharaoh. However, the sign of Blood is always the Real Deal. In Genesis 3, blood was shed to cover the nakedness (sins) of Adam and Eve. And there in Exodus 12:8, blood over the doorposts would save the children of Israel.

The Feast of the Passover commemorated God’s salvific act: it was a reminder and a promise just like the rainbow. Each time they ate the Seder, they brought to their memories what happened in Egypt AND affirmed that their God Who rescued them from bondage would always be their refuge, their protection.

We note that this parallels Jesus’ promises in John 14:3 and also in the Final Feast (Matthew 26:29; Luke 22:8). When Jesus is crucified and buried before the Passover, I am taken back to the night before The Exodus and the Passover was instituted. I recognize that Jesus’ blood is what saves me Each and Every Time I Sin.

Of course, like the Children of Israel, I need to choose to place the Blood of Jesus over the doorpost of my heart. By partaking of the ‘Communion’ (aka the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper); I also am remembering and receiving the promises of Jesus. I remember that Jesus chose to die for the whole world and look forward to not perishing in my sins, instead I look forward to life eternal with Jesus (see John 3:16).

His death – be it Good Friday, Maundy Thursday or even a Wednesday – is what matters. The smearing of His blood over me is what happened that Passover eve; and I’m forever grateful.

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May all we seek be found in Christ