THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:12-16
“So they prepared the Passover.” (Mark 14:16)
Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar.
Jews celebrate Passover to commemorate the rescue of Israel from Egypt.
God spares them from death with lamb’s blood, painted on the doorposts.
“The blood will be a sign on the houses where you are, when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (Exodus 12:13)
They ate this meal in haste, because it was their last meal before leaving their bondage in Egypt.
A last supper before being set free from bondage, saved by the blood of a lamb!
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Jesus knows the significance of this time, and of His own upcoming sacrifice.
He is preparing to rescue humanity from their bondage to sin, Satan, death and hell.
His own blood will be the sign, showing how God passes over us in His judgment against sin.
If the Passover is so important to Jews, how much more important is Jesus’ last Passover… for humanity?
Christians commemorate ‘the Last Supper’, celebrated on Maundy (or Holy) Thursday.
But we also celebrate it through the year, not just at Easter.
In a sense, every day is ‘Passover’ day, a day of living under the protective sign of Jesus’ blood.
We are forgiven, we are free, let’s celebrate this every day!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this was Your last supper for a while, but it is our first supper, a symbol of the fellowship we share with You everyday. Thank You for forgiveness and freedom, now and always!
Observations/Application
Customs. Traditions.
The disciples knew it was time for the Passover. Traditions of the faith are important to keep us on track, close to our Saviour.
During the meal the question was raised by each, ‘Is it I Lord?’
I too need to examine y heart in the light of God’s truth and pray that I may not fail Him as I live for Jesus, nor forsake Him. Remember the Lord’s prayer – ‘do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil?’
But I am getting ahead of myself with the passage – His death redeemed me from my sin and as we approach Easter, the Christian Passover, I am redeemed by His blood. He rules in my heart.
Jesus calls us over the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless, sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me!”
As of old Saint Andrew heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home and toil and kindred,
Leaving all for Jesus’ sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these!”
Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Savior may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.