Study 39
A new Passover
Read Mark 14v12-26
The Passover was the greatest celebration in the Jewish calendar but Jesus now introduces something far greater - a Passover for all the human race. All previous Passover feasts were merely pictures pointing to this.
The Old Passover
The origins of the feast are to be found in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament where God brings the Israelites out of their slavery in Egypt.
Before he did so each Israelite family had to take a lamb. The lamb had to be killed and its blood placed on the door of the house. When God came in
judgement on the Egyptians the sight of the blood removed his anger and he passed over the family in peace. All who did not do this were judged. (see Exodus Chapter 12).
The new Passover
The new Passover feast - communion - which Jesus introduces here is for sinners who realise the weakness of their own hearts (verse 19).
Instead of a lamb being killed Jesus says that He will be broken instead, in our place. We are to remember this by the bread being broken. Instead of the lamb's blood being poured out to avert God's anger, Jesus says that He will shed his own blood. We are to remember this by the wine.
John had this in mind when he said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29).
God has made a new covenant (or agreement) with all his people, which will never be broken. Those who trust in Jesus' death will know forgiveness of sin and never know the anger of God.
N.B. Notice the love of Jesus as he eats with his betrayer. But the man will still be judged (verse 21).
Time to think
- Why was the old Passover so significant for the Jews?
- Why is the new Passover so significant for Christians?
If you have any questions during or after completing this study please email Us