Matthew 26:17-29 The Passover with the Disciples

Today, we celebrate Maundy Thursday. It is the time when Jesus celebrated his Last Supper with the disciples. That Supper was none other than the Passover celebration. The Passover is a celebration that remembers how God liberated Israel from slavery in Egypt. This celebration was held in a home with family. The celebration begins with the search for leaven in the house. The house must be cleansed from all leaven, a symbol for sin, disobedience and rebellion towards God. After the burning of the leaven found, people sip on the first cup of wine which is the cup of sanctification, symbolizing the purging of our souls from sin followed by a ceremonial hand washing.

Next, the people at the table dip parsley in salt water and eat it. The parsley represents the hyssop that was used to place the blood of the lamb on the doorposts. God instructed Israel to place the blood of the lamb to be cooked and eaten that night on their doorposts so that the Angel of Death would pass over their homes and spare the lives of their firstborn. Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God and by his blood, we are spared from condemnation on the final judgment. The matzahs, unleavened bread, are uncovered representing the bread of affliction.

After remembering the plagues by which God afflicted the Egyptians to let Israel go, the presider shows a shankbone to remember the lamb that was sacrificed on that night to spare the lives of God’s people. The second cup is taken which is the cup of judgment followed by another washing of hands. After giving thanks, a piece of matzah bread is eaten by all. Then a piece of matzah with bitter herbs representing the suffering and oppression in Egypt. Then a piece of matzah is eaten with “charoseth,” a mixture of apples and nuts representing the mortar used by Israel during their hard labor as slaves. This is the point at which Jesus announced his betrayal. Judas was dipping in the dish to eat the charoseth. And then the meat of the lamb is eaten.

Now the “aphikomen” was the middle piece of the three matzah breads that was hidden while people ate the lamb and later the children hunt for it all over the house. Once found, the bread is brought out and distributed to the people to eat. It is at this point that Jesus gives the command (mandate, that’s why it is called Maundy Thursday) to eat this bread because it represents his body. The “aphikomen” is followed by the third cup of wine, the cup of redemption. It is this cup that Jesus uses to command the disciples to drink because it represents his blood in the new covenant.

The ceremony ends with the fourth cup, the cup of praise and people worship with songs that praise the greatness and power of God in the liberation of his people Israel. Just like Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt, we have been freed from sin in this world. Through the blood of the paschal lamb, Jesus Christ, we are cleansed from all sin and spared from all condemnation. Praise the Lord! The command to celebrate communion is rooted in the Passover ceremony filled with so much meaning for Israel and for us.

Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. May I always remember the liberation he has mightily performed on our behalf.

Acts 2:42-47 The Fellowship of the Believers

The apostles experienced such an explosive growth - just 3,000 people responded to Peter's sermon. What did they do? What was their lifestyle like? How did they spend their time? The Scripture says they "devoted" themselves to certain things. Their existence in the community of faith was one of devotion - giving most of their time and resources, to persist obstinately, to adhere, to be constant, to be steadfastly attentive, to give unremitting care. They were attentive and persistent despite the obstacles; they dogged these things. As I read this, I am convicted about my own level of devotion.

What were the things that were so important and worthy of their constant devotion? They were the apostles' teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayers. I have the apostles' teaching in the Bible. Fellowship is a communion, partnership, association to pursue a common interest. My relationships are not for the sake of a friendship, as great as that is. It is to come together to plan and strategize to work towards a common goal. Meals together are more likely referring to both the Lord's Supper (communion) and eating together as a family. The Lord's Supper gives me the opportunity to remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ - one Lord, one faith, one Church. Also, having meals together is a great reminder that I am part of the family of God. I am my Father's child together with other brothers and sisters - my siblings in the faith. Am I devoted to these things?

The effects upon ones life for devoting oneself to these things should motivate me to pursue them with a passion. Notice the resulting effects: awe, signs and wonders, unity, community, gladness, generosity and worship. The interesting thing here is that growth was God's doing and not the people's doing. If I devote myself to the Scriptures, fellowship, meals, and prayers, my life will be filled with a sense of awe (reverent fear) for God. The gifts of the Spirit will be at work producing more signs and wonders. There comes a unity that becomes community as everyone's needs are met and not ignored. My heart is filled with gladness (contentment) and generosity that moves me to worship and praise.

A community like this would be a magnet for a needy world! The Lord would then add the numbers. Growth is a result of devotion to the right things and not pursuit of growth per se. If I devote myself to the teaching of the apostles, to fellowship, meals, and prayers, there is no stopping of what God can do in terms of growth. He takes care to add the numbers. I should take care of devoting myself to the right things.

Father, forgive my lack of devotion and forgive my devotion to the wrong things. Give me a heart that is fully devoted to you and your kingdom. Help me prioritize my life to make Scripture, fellowship, meals, and prayers the most important things in my life.

Joshua 5:10-15 First Passover in Canaan

The Israelites enjoyed God's supernatural provision during their journey. Now that they are to enter the promised land, they will continue to enjoy the provision of God, but through the land he promised them. God is still the provider, but his provision is now through the promise. All my needs are taken care of by my God. He provides for my every need all the time.

Passover is the Jewish celebration of their freedom from slavery. On Passover, all those who placed the blood on their doorposts were spared from death - they were passed over by the angel of death. If I am to be effective in the conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth, I must live in obedience through Baptism and Communion. Baptism is my initiation rite into the Body of Christ as a born again believer. Communion is my Passover. In Communion, I remember the sacrifice of Christ that freed me from my bondage to sin and gave me new life. It also feeds my soul in the grace of God to sustain me in the battle.

The conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon earth is my mission in life. Baptism and Communion prepare me for it, but I can't forget that I am not alone in this endeavor. Joshua encountered the commander of the army of the Lord who confirmed his leadership in the conquest. The commander of the army of the Lord is with me by my side. It is a reminder that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. Intimate communion with my commander is a requirement to engage in this battle.

The conquest of the promised land is not for anyone, but only for those who have embraced the kingdom of God through Baptism and Communion and have committed their lives to an intimate communion with the Commander of the army of the Lord.

Lord, I want to be a good soldier in this conquest. You meet my every need. Fill me with your Spirit to remain in intimate communion with you as I wage battle every day. May I rely upon your grace as I march forward taking by storm the strongholds of ungodliness in this world.