Christ Introduces a New Ordinance to Passover
As Christ and the disciples were eating the Passover lamb on the eve of His crucifixion, He took this opportunity to show how His Church should observe Passover from that time forward.
(1) What action did Christ perform during the Passover meal? John 13:1-5.
Comment: It was actually “during supper” that Christ interrupted the meal in order to demonstrate a new ordinance the disciples were to carry out in each succeeding Passover service. The phrase in verse 2, “and supper being ended,” should be translated as “during supper.” It was at this point in the meal that the devil put the inclination into Judas Iscariot to betray Christ.
The foot washing ordinance was entirely new, having never been a part of the Passover service. Christ was very passionate about what He knew would be His last Passover with the disciples (Luke 22:14-16). He went to great lengths to introduce what would be new ordinances for this occasion. In John’s gospel account, which was canonized long after the others, John was aware of the need to write about the ordinance of foot washing.
(2) What was the significance of Peter’s refusal to allow Christ to wash his feet and Christ’s response? John 13:6-9.
Comment: Peter’s impetuous response gave Christ the opportunity to explain that unless one participated fully in this ordinance, then he could have no part with Christ. Once Peter understood this, he went to the opposite extreme. However, Christ emphasized that only the feet were to be washed.
(3) What did Christ stress as the reason for this new ordinance? John 13:12-15.
Comment: In verse 12, after He had washed their feet, Christ asked the disciples, “do you know what I have done to you?” In verses 14 to 15, He stressed, “If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet, then you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you.” These were explicit instructions for His servants to keep this ordinance of foot washing—a task normally performed by the lowest servants.
The point is undeniable that Christ was also referring to a level of service extending beyond the realm of a Passover ordinance—to the way His servants would live their lives. If Christ extended Himself to the point of laying down His life, they had to be willing to do the same. The Passover ordinance of foot washing carries far more meaning than the physical act. The eleven loyal disciples went on to become apostles and, with the exception of John, eventually laid down their lives.
(4) Did Christ proclaim a blessing associated with keeping this ordinance? John 13:17.
Comment: Concerning the phrase, “happy are you if you do them,” the term “happy” means more than meets the eye. It comes from the Greek word makarios, which means “supremely blessed, fortunate, well off, blessed and happy.” This verse should more appropriately read, “If you know these things, supremely blessed are you if you do them.” This is a promised blessing for keeping the ordinance that Christ had just instituted.
New Symbols for Passover Service
(1) At what point during supper did Christ introduce the new symbols? Luke 22:20.
Comment: This verse shows that the new symbols (which constituted another new ordinance) were given “after supper,” whereas the ordinance of foot washing had been introduced during supper.
(2) What was the first symbol to be taken after the foot washing had been carried out (and as the supper portion of Christ’s last Passover was drawing to a close)? Matthew 26:26.
(3) What kind of bread was always eaten during the Passover meal and was broken and given to the disciples? Exodus 12:8; Numbers 9:11.
Comment: The Passover had always been eaten with unleavened bread. Unleavened bread represents being pure from sin and pride, both of which are symbolized by leaven.
(4) What did the broken bread symbolize? Matthew 26:26; I Corinthians 11:24; John 6:58; I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5.
Comment: We find that this broken bread symbolized the broken body of Christ, and that eating that bread is tied to having eternal life (John 6:58). The broken body is directly related to our physical healing.
(5) What other symbol was introduced along with the broken bread? Matthew 26:27; Luke 22:17-18.
Comment: This “fruit of the vine” referred to in Luke 22:18 (also Matthew 26:29) could only have been wine. Many professing Christians insist that this was referring to grape juice. In the spring of the year, the grapes from the former year’s harvest could have only existed as wine, vinegar or syrup. Grape juice simply did not exist beyond 40 days from the time the grapes were harvested. Wine was a prominent drink in ancient Israel and in Judea during Christ’s time (Hastings Dictionary, pp. 973-974). It was a staple with meals and on special occasions (John 2:1-11).
(6) What was the significance of drinking a small amount of wine? Matthew 26:27-28; Luke 22:20.
Comment: The wine was symbolic of Christ’s shed blood—the sacrifice of His life—which He as High Priest would later apply to cleanse the sins of those called by God.
(7) Are true Christians to follow Christ’s example in taking the symbols of bread and wine in the Passover service? Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:24-25.
(8) How often was the Passover service—the memorial of Christ’s death—to be observed? Exodus 12:14; 13:10; Leviticus 23:5; I Corinthians 11:26.
Comment: A memorial is always observed annually or once a year—not every week or month.
The phrase in I Corinthians 11:26, “for as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup…” does not mean “as often as you decide to eat this bread and drink this cup.” It simply means at every memorial of this event—at Passover, which occurs only once a year. As you take these symbols, you acknowledge and honor Christ’s death until He returns.
As Christ and the disciples were eating the Passover lamb on the eve of His crucifixion, He took this opportunity to show how His Church should observe Passover from that time forward.
(1) What action did Christ perform during the Passover meal? John 13:1-5.
Comment: It was actually “during supper” that Christ interrupted the meal in order to demonstrate a new ordinance the disciples were to carry out in each succeeding Passover service. The phrase in verse 2, “and supper being ended,” should be translated as “during supper.” It was at this point in the meal that the devil put the inclination into Judas Iscariot to betray Christ.
The foot washing ordinance was entirely new, having never been a part of the Passover service. Christ was very passionate about what He knew would be His last Passover with the disciples (Luke 22:14-16). He went to great lengths to introduce what would be new ordinances for this occasion. In John’s gospel account, which was canonized long after the others, John was aware of the need to write about the ordinance of foot washing.
(2) What was the significance of Peter’s refusal to allow Christ to wash his feet and Christ’s response? John 13:6-9.
Comment: Peter’s impetuous response gave Christ the opportunity to explain that unless one participated fully in this ordinance, then he could have no part with Christ. Once Peter understood this, he went to the opposite extreme. However, Christ emphasized that only the feet were to be washed.
(3) What did Christ stress as the reason for this new ordinance? John 13:12-15.
Comment: In verse 12, after He had washed their feet, Christ asked the disciples, “do you know what I have done to you?” In verses 14 to 15, He stressed, “If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet, then you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you.” These were explicit instructions for His servants to keep this ordinance of foot washing—a task normally performed by the lowest servants.
The point is undeniable that Christ was also referring to a level of service extending beyond the realm of a Passover ordinance—to the way His servants would live their lives. If Christ extended Himself to the point of laying down His life, they had to be willing to do the same. The Passover ordinance of foot washing carries far more meaning than the physical act. The eleven loyal disciples went on to become apostles and, with the exception of John, eventually laid down their lives.
(4) Did Christ proclaim a blessing associated with keeping this ordinance? John 13:17.
Comment: Concerning the phrase, “happy are you if you do them,” the term “happy” means more than meets the eye. It comes from the Greek word makarios, which means “supremely blessed, fortunate, well off, blessed and happy.” This verse should more appropriately read, “If you know these things, supremely blessed are you if you do them.” This is a promised blessing for keeping the ordinance that Christ had just instituted.
New Symbols for Passover Service
(1) At what point during supper did Christ introduce the new symbols? Luke 22:20.
Comment: This verse shows that the new symbols (which constituted another new ordinance) were given “after supper,” whereas the ordinance of foot washing had been introduced during supper.
(2) What was the first symbol to be taken after the foot washing had been carried out (and as the supper portion of Christ’s last Passover was drawing to a close)? Matthew 26:26.
(3) What kind of bread was always eaten during the Passover meal and was broken and given to the disciples? Exodus 12:8; Numbers 9:11.
Comment: The Passover had always been eaten with unleavened bread. Unleavened bread represents being pure from sin and pride, both of which are symbolized by leaven.
(4) What did the broken bread symbolize? Matthew 26:26; I Corinthians 11:24; John 6:58; I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5.
Comment: We find that this broken bread symbolized the broken body of Christ, and that eating that bread is tied to having eternal life (John 6:58). The broken body is directly related to our physical healing.
(5) What other symbol was introduced along with the broken bread? Matthew 26:27; Luke 22:17-18.
Comment: This “fruit of the vine” referred to in Luke 22:18 (also Matthew 26:29) could only have been wine. Many professing Christians insist that this was referring to grape juice. In the spring of the year, the grapes from the former year’s harvest could have only existed as wine, vinegar or syrup. Grape juice simply did not exist beyond 40 days from the time the grapes were harvested. Wine was a prominent drink in ancient Israel and in Judea during Christ’s time (Hastings Dictionary, pp. 973-974). It was a staple with meals and on special occasions (John 2:1-11).
(6) What was the significance of drinking a small amount of wine? Matthew 26:27-28; Luke 22:20.
Comment: The wine was symbolic of Christ’s shed blood—the sacrifice of His life—which He as High Priest would later apply to cleanse the sins of those called by God.
(7) Are true Christians to follow Christ’s example in taking the symbols of bread and wine in the Passover service? Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:24-25.
(8) How often was the Passover service—the memorial of Christ’s death—to be observed? Exodus 12:14; 13:10; Leviticus 23:5; I Corinthians 11:26.
Comment: A memorial is always observed annually or once a year—not every week or month.
The phrase in I Corinthians 11:26, “for as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup…” does not mean “as often as you decide to eat this bread and drink this cup.” It simply means at every memorial of this event—at Passover, which occurs only once a year. As you take these symbols, you acknowledge and honor Christ’s death until He returns.
Our Passover Lamb
(1) Is Christ explicitly called our Passover lamb or sacrifice? I Corinthians 5:7.
(2) Did the Passover lamb’s blood serve a purpose after it was slain? Exodus 12:6-7.
(3) Why was it necessary for Christ to shed His blood? Hebrews 9:22.
(4) Was Christ prophesied to pour out his soul (physical existence dependent upon His life-blood) unto death? Isaiah 53:12; Leviticus 17:11.
Comment: The life of all flesh essentially exists in the blood, as these verses make plain.
The Broken Body of Christ
(1) Why was Christ scourged (beaten with whips containing sharp metallic pieces to tear the flesh) before his crucifixion? John 19:1; Isaiah 52:14.
Comment: Christ was beaten beyond recognition, as “His visage was so marred more than any man.” This was prophesied to happen and ties directly to what was stated in Isaiah 53:5: “and with His stripes we are healed.”
(2) How does the broken body of Christ bring about our healing? Isaiah 53:5; I Peter 2:24; I Corinthians 11:29-30.
Comment: The terms “wounded for our transgressions…bruised for our iniquities” and “He bore our sins in His own body” relate to physical sins or transgressions, which are distinct from the spiritual sins covered by Christ’s blood. The apostle Paul clearly made the connection between the failure to discern the meaning and significance of Christ’s broken body and those who are sick or have died from ill health (I Cor. 11:29-30). Read James 5:14-15 in regard to healing being tied to the forgiveness of sins. Notice Psalm 103:2-3 with respect to the benefits tied to the meaning of the wine and bread. (Our booklet The Truth About Healing offers a thorough explanation of the vital topic of healing.)
True Church Upholds Observance of Passover
(1) Did the early Church refer to “Easter” as a benchmark in time, indicating they must have been observing it? Acts 12:4.
Comment: The word “Easter” is a mistranslation from the Greek term pascha, which clearly meant “Passover.” The same Greek word was correctly translated “Passover” over 25 times in other places in the New Testament.
(2) Does secular evidence exist to support that the Church of God continued to keep Passover on the 14th day of the first month—well after the time of the apostles?
The very process of coming out of sin is what true Christians must do once their slate has been wiped clean. Even before coming under the sacrifice of Christ, there has to be an acknowledgement and regret of having sinned as a way of life. The process of coming out of sin is not instantaneous—it requires many years of overcoming and character building. This second step of God’s plan is pictured by the Days of Unleavened Bread, which typify putting sin out of our lives.
Comment: Polycarp, Polycrates and other loyal servants of God refused to compromise God’s commanded feasts.
Polycrates wrote, “We…therefore observe the genuine day; neither adding thereto nor taking therefrom. For in Asia great lights have fallen asleep which shall rise again in the day of the Lord’s appearing…Moreover, John, who rested upon the bosom of our Lord…also Polycarp…All these observed the fourteenth day of the Passover according to the gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith” (Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius, bk.5, ch. 24).
And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. (Matthew 26:19 KJV)
ReplyDeleteThen led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled ; but that they might eat the Passover. (John 18:28 KJV)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end. (John 13:1 KJV)
Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are 'unleavened' [W/O SIN FOR THAT IS WHAT BIBLICAL 'LEAVEN' IS]. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJ)
then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14 CJB)
ReplyDeleteDo not make a covenant with the people living in the land. It will cause you to go astray after their gods and sacrifice to their gods. Then they will invite you to join them in eating their sacrifices, (Exodus 34:15 CJB)
ReplyDeleteI exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical "Temple worship" for you. (Romans 12:1 CJB)
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2 (NKJ)
ReplyDeletebut with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. multiplied. 1 Peter 1:19 (NKJ)
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22 (NKJ)
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 peter 2:5 (NKJ)
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 1 peter 1:17 (NKJ)
ReplyDeleteFor what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 peter 2:20-25 (NKJ)
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 1 Peter 3:8 (KJV)
ReplyDeleteFor Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. 1 Peter 3:21-22 (KJV)
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1 Peter 4:1 (KJV)
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. Peter 4:19 (KJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NKJ)
ReplyDeleteFor this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12 (NKJ)
THE LAMB OF GOD, SHALL RETURN AS A LION, THE LION FROM THE TRIBE OF JUDAH (THE JEWS)...HE WILL REIGN WITH THE 144,000 FOR THE LAST 1,000 YRS BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT PERIOD.
ReplyDeleteThen I saw standing there with the throne and the four living beings, in the circle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been slaughtered. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the sevenfold Spirit of God sent out into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6 CJB)
HOLY IS THE LAMB, THE ONLY ONE IN HEAVEN AND EARTH WORTHY TO TAKE THE SCROLL FROM THE LORD'S HANDS AND OPEN IT'S SEALS (CHRIST OPENED THE SEALS OF REVELATION).
The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?" (John 6:52 NKJ)
ReplyDeleteFor we know that THE LAW IS SPIRITUAL, but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:14 NKJ)
ReplyDeleteHelp us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name's sake! (Psalms 79:9 NKJ)
ReplyDeleteFor our transgressions are multiplied before You, And our sins testify against us; For our transgressions are with us, And as for our iniquities, we know them: (Isaiah 59:12 NKJ)
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3 NKJ)
who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,(Galatians 1:4 NKJ)
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (Hebrews 1:3 NKJ)
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 NKJ)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJ)
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2 NKJ)
And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. (1 John 3:5 NKJ)
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10 NKJ)
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelation 1:5 NKJ)
Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJ)
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to OFFER UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5 NKJ)
ReplyDeleteAbove when he said , Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and OFFERING FOR SIN thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; (Hebrews 10:8 KJV)
to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to THE BLOOD OF SPRINKLING that speaks better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24 NKJ)
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and SPRINKLING OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST: Grace to you and peace be multiplied (1 Peter 1:2 NKJ)
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, AN OFFERING AND A SACRIFICE TO GOD FOR A SWEET-SMELLING AROMA. (Ephesians 5:2 NKJ)
ON THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, JESUS STOOD AND CRIED OUT, SAYING, "IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK. (John 7:37 NKJ)
Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, HAVING LOVED HIS OWN WHO WERE IN THE WORLD, HE LOVED THEM TO THE END. (John 13:1 NKJ)
Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER, WAS SACRIFICED FOR US. Therefore LET US KEEP THE FEAST, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJ)
LEAVEN IS SIN...."SYMBOLICALLY, SPIRITUALLY"