Recently, someone told me they had been scolded for keeping the Passover because it is only intended for the Jews. Is that true? The Passover is listed as the first of God’s seven annual festivals in Leviticus 23 (see verse 5). Back then, all the Israelites (not only the Jews) were instructed to observe all the festivals including the Passover (see verse 44).
The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the true Passover Lamb (compare Exodus:12:21Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. and 1 Corinthians:5:7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:). When Jesus observed His last Passover on earth with His disciples, He explained that the bread and wine represented His body and His blood, which He offered for the remission of our sins.
The New Testament Passover is a memorial of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It is a time when baptized members of the United Church of God – Canada renew their covenant to come under the blood of Jesus Christ (the perfect Passover Lamb) for the forgiveness of sin. It is also a time of deep spiritual introspection.
Those of us who observe this most solemn service marking the anniversary of Jesus’ death (1 Corinthians:11:26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.) are reminded that eternal life is only possible through Him. His sacrifice is the starting point for salvation and the foundation of each of the annual festivals that follow.
I, for one, am among those Christians who believe that it is vitally important to observe the Christian Passover every year just as Jesus Christ instructed His followers to do. This year it will be observed on Sunday evening, April 13. To read more about this important occasion, please read the booklet, God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. This can be found at: http://www.ucg.ca/booklets/gods-holy-day-plan-promise-hope-all-mankind/ [1].
Anthony Wasilkoff
Links:
[1] http://www.ucg.ca/booklets/gods-holy-day-plan-promise-hope-all-mankind/