And when HE had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you.” Luke 22:19
Jesus said to His disciples, “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.” Luke 22:15-16
After the Seder dinner is finished, the celebration comes to a close with…
Traditionally, one of the children is asked to find the hidden piece of Matzo/Afikoman. When they return with the Matzo they will receive payment.
What a symbol!
Afikoman: Means dessert. This is the piece of Matzo that was hidden away. It is to be eaten at the end of the meal. No food should follow it, so that the taste will linger. This piece was broken to symbolize the body of the Son of God. It was wrapped in linen to symbolize the wrapped body of Christ after the crucifixion. Wrapped and placed under the pillow it symbolizes His burial. After the meal, the pillow is removed, reminding us the stone has been removed. The loaf is taken out and unwrapped to signify the Resurrection. The bread is broken into small pieces and everyone takes and eats.
The Afikoman is the piece that Jesus took and said This is My Body which is given for you.
He is the Bread of Life that comes down from Heaven. John 6:33-35
This is not a complete Passover Seder. Just the Highlights of the Celebration. Download: Passover printable – Haggadah. Or grab a copy of Celebrating the Biblical Feasts by Martha Zimmerman.
Passover and Redemption
“The focus of the Passover is redemption, which leads to freedom. The Lord redeemed the Israelites from Egypt, freeing them from the bondage of slavery. Centuries later, Jesus died as the Passover Lamb to redeem us from death and to break the bondage of sin. Redemption in the days of Moses was meant to mirror the future redemption through the death of Messiah. Jesus is the Ultimate fulfillment of the promise of redemption.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel co-author of the Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi. Kathie Lee Gifford.
Ahhh but there’s MORE...There is always more according to Rabbi Jason Sobel…
Did you know Jesus was resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits?
The Feast of Firstfruits and The Resurrection
“During the celebration of Firstfruits, the focus is Resurrection. This was an agricultural holiday that celebrated the Firstfruits of the Harvest, which were brought from the fields to the temple on the second day of Passover. Fittingly, thousands of years later, Jesus was brought back from the dead during this festival. In 1 Corinthians 15:20 ‘But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ Though Jesus fulfilled the promise of this holiday, His resurrection is also a prophetic fulfillment of this feast in which the firstfruits of the harvest symbolize the future resurrection of believers at the end of the age.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel
The word is Alive and made known to us. The Bible say, “All Scripture is God-Breathed” 2 Timothy 3:16
Over the years, there have been slight changes in how the Seder is performed. Some Messianic Jews have added their own personal touches. Of course, traditional Jews have not.
As we begin Holy Week, I pray that you will remember what Jesus our messiah has done for you and me. His Love is never-ending.
- Passover begins at sundown the Wednesday before Easter
- Good Friday the Friday before
- Sunday Easter / Resurrection & Celebration of First Fruits
So much can be told about the future when we look back at the past. The Old Testament is full of a future that leads directly to Christ the Messiah. It is an amazing love story between us and God. Love letters to be fulfilled at the end with Amazing Grace and such Mercy, no one can comprehend.
I love that we as Jesus followers can celebrate the Passover knowing our Messiah has come!
A saying at the end of every Passover Seder is……
“Next Year in Jerusalem!”
FUN FACTS:
- The Tent of Meeting – Tabernacle and furnishings were arranged to form a Cross.
- The 12 Tribes camping around The Tent of Meetings also formed a cross.
- There are 351 prophecies in the Old Testament about the Messiah and all are fulfilled.
Deb Cool
References:
- Celebrating Biblical Feasts by Martha Zimmerman
- Let us Draw Near by Judson Cornwall
- NIV Bible
- The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford with Rabbi Jason Sobel
Did you miss the beginning of this series? Read part 1 HERE.
Deb is passionate about Jesus and women’s ministry. She currently leads a women’s small group through her church, LCBC Waynesboro.
Deb has been married for 42 years to the love of her life, Rodney. They have awesome sons whom have beautiful wives. And they are blessed with eight amazing grandchildren.
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