The other day, my sweet friend was visiting an antique store out of state and found a set of Pesach Seder bowls. Knowing me so well, she purchased them as a gift. For years we have used small white bowls placed on a large platter as a substitute for a Seder plate. The funny thing is my sweet husband, also gave me a Passover plate as a gift! How well these two know what brings joy to my heart. This year, I have TWO special Pesach platters to serve my family and friends!
When our family first began to celebrate Passover, our children would ask, "Why? We're not Jewish." My answer was because Christ was Jewish and His death and resurrection fulfill what Passover symbolizes! To me, Easter has more meaning when it has followed the observance of Pesach. I encourage you to start this new tradition in your house. It will seem awkward the first several times, you may forget an element and need to dash the refrigerator, or in my case, the bowl of water for hand washing. However, an evening sitting around the table with those you love, celebrating the awesomeness of Elohim will never disappoint.
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV
Last week we discussed the elements used during the Passover meal, this week we will look at how Christ fulfilled the elements.
Zeroah - roasted shank bone...Christ was our sacrificial lamb, sinless, without blemish and willing to take upon Himself the sins of the world.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. Isaiah 53:6-7 NIV
Maror - bitter herb...before Christ's sacrifice and gift of salvation, we were slaves to sin.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:5-7 NIV
Charoset - representing the mortar used by the Hebrew while enslaved in Egypt, now represents Christ as the mortar that unites us in the family of God.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:19-21 NIV
Karpas - symbolizing new life in Christ.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4 NIV
Salt Water - symbolizes the tears and the sweat inflicted by the Egyptians, now reminds us that we have a future home in paradise where there will be not more tears or suffering.
"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water. ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:16-17 NIV
Matzah - the unleavened bread...the three matzot hint at the triune nature of G-D, a single indivisible spirit who manifests to us as our Father, second as Yeshua [Jesus], the Messiach, the living Torah, the Word of G-D and Son of G-D, and as thirdly as Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit of G-D. Perhaps the middle matzah is broken to remind us Yeshua, the Bread of Life, endured to be the sacrifice that atoned for our sins.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19 NIV
Beitzah - a roasted egg was not part of the original Pesach Sedar, but was later added to symbolize death and new life, as the shell mimics the tomb.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4 NIV
Water bowl with towel remind us of how Christ washed the disciples feet to demonstrate that we should serve each other in humility.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; soe got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him..."Now that I, Your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:3-14 NIV
Wine - reminds of the Christ's blood shed for our redemption. The 4 cups represent how Christ rescued us from consequences of sin, removed us from the old lifestyle and helps us as we walk in righteousness, redeemed us into a right relationship with God, and gives a reason to rejoice in the hope of life for eternity with Him in Paradise.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Luke 22:14-18 NIV
Christ came as the perfect fulfillment of every element included in the Passover Seder celebration. While Jewish families gather around their Pesach table, participating the the telling of the ancient story, may this year be the year that the eyes of their heart will be open to their Messiach, Yeshua who has came to redeem them from a life of slavery to sin.
Holy Abba, Father God, as many of your children participate in Pesach, those who believe Yeshua is the Messiach and those who do not, I pray that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in Your holy people, and the incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength You exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. You placed all things under Christ's feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:18-23) In the name above all other names, we ask these things for Your glory through Christ our LORD. Amen