Jesus eating the Passover with his disciples is a significant event in the Bible, which holds great importance for Christians. Passover is a Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this article, we will explore why Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and the significance of this event.
The Significance of Passover
Passover is an important event in Jewish history as it commemorates God freeing Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The story goes that God sent ten plagues on Egypt, and Pharaoh finally agreed to release Israelites after the tenth plague, which was killing the firstborn of every family.
However, God instructed Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so that they would be spared from this plague. This event is known as Passover because God “passed over” the homes with lamb blood on their doorposts.
Why Did Jesus Eat The Passover?
Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples because he was a Jew and followed Jewish customs. He also wanted to fulfill prophecies related to him in the Old Testament. Jesus knew that he was going to be crucified soon, and he used the occasion of Passover to teach his disciples about his impending death.
During the meal, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them to his disciples, saying that they symbolized his body and blood, which would be broken and shed for them. This act became known as “The Last Supper,” where Jesus established what Christians now call “The Eucharist.”
The Significance of Jesus Eating The Passover
By celebrating Passover with his disciples, Jesus showed that he was fulfilling prophecies related to him in the Old Testament. For instance, Isaiah 53:5 says that “He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes, we are healed.” Jesus knew that he would be crucified soon, and through his death, he would save humanity from sin.
Moreover, by giving his disciples bread and wine and telling them that it symbolized his body and blood, Jesus established the foundation of the Eucharist. Christians believe that through the Eucharist, they receive the body and blood of Christ, which strengthens their faith in him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus eating the Passover with his disciples holds great significance for Christians. It helps them understand how Jesus fulfilled prophecies related to him in the Old Testament and established the foundation of the Eucharist. Therefore, this event remains an essential part of Christian history and teaches us about God’s love for humanity.