Jad Khalaf's Belief

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth."
II Timothy 2:15

PASSOVER AND LORD'S SUPPER

BY DR. JAD JAMAL KHALAF

    INTRODUCTION

    This research paper will look at and deal with the Passover and the Lord’s Supper. These two
events are very special. Both of these play significant roles. God directly instituted each one in
a special way. To begin with, the history behind the Passover will be looked at in some type of
detail. Next, the Passover itself will be examined and broken down in order to try to fully
understand the events surrounding this festival. In order to try and make it all fit together, the
Lord’s Supper will have its own section. This section will investigate some interesting facts
about this church sacrament. To wrap everything all up together, the final section will be a
conclusion section. This paper is interesting. When the paper is fully read, then the reader
should be able gain some new information on the matter at hand.

    HISTORY BEHIND THE PASSOVER

    The Passover is one of the most unique events in the history of the Jewish people. This
religious festival began a long time ago. When the word “Passover” is heard, a Christian or a
Jew will automatically think back to Israel’s enslavement in Egypt. This event came before Israel’
s exodus out of bondage. There were, however, significant events that lead up to the Passover.
    God had promised Abraham, around 1900 B.C., that his descendants would one day inherit the
Promised Land. Abraham passed this on to Isaac. Isaac told this promise to Jacob, also known
as Israel. Jacob had twelve sons or tribes. Out of those twelve, Joseph would play a significant
role in what would become one of the most important events in the Old Testament. Through a
series of twists and events, eventually Joseph found himself in Egypt. While in Egypt, God
allowed Joseph to become second in command to Pharaoh himself. Around 1500 B.C., Israel and
Joseph were both together with their families in Egypt. Eventually, Joseph dies. As new
Pharaohs began to take over, the children of Israel began to multiply very fast. This was not
acceptable in the eyes of Pharaoh. Bondage would be the only answer. So, the Jews were
forced to do whatever Pharaoh desired. For hundreds of years, the children of Israel held on to
the promise that God had given to their forefathers. Anticipation of this fulfillment remained in
the back of the minds of the children of Israel. As new generations would be born, the parents
would continue passing down their heritage story.
    God would raise up a man from the children of Israel to be the deliver. This particular man
was born to a Jewish family. Since all of the male children that were born were condemned to
die, Moses’ family hid him for three months. Moses’ family knew that this could not continuing
on. His family made for him a basket. He was placed in the basket and the basket was placed in
the water. As he floated off downstream, his sister followed close behind. Eventually, the
Pharaoh’s daughter saw the basket and commanded her servant to retrieve the object. Inside
was a baby boy. Immediately she took this child as her own and gave him the name Moses.
Since Moses’ sister had seen what happened, she came to the Pharaoh’s daughter and asked if
an Israelite woman could be sought in order to ween the child. Moses’ sister went back home
and brought her mother to the Pharaoh’s daughter. God’s hand was involved during the whole
process.
    As time went on, Moses grew and grew in stature and in wisdom as he was raised in Pharaoh’s
house. Eventually, around the age of forty, Moses would flee from Pharaoh’s presence and
would make his way to the wilderness. Moses would marry one of Jethro’s daughters. Forty
years later, God would call out from a burning bush. God instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh. In
so doing, Moses was to tell Pharaoh to let God’s people go. Plague after plague took place.
Finally, God would give instructions to Moses to prepare for the first Passover.
    The Book of Exodus describes Moses, his calling, and the fateful events which would take
place in Egypt. The harassing time of slavery would begin to make its way to an end. Right
before the tenth plague, the plague of death, was to take place the instructions concerning the
Passover were issued. This issuing of instructions required the Jews to prepare for the tenth
plague. In order to survive the tenth plague, God’s instructions would have to be kept.

    THE PASSOVER

    The Passover was to take place on the fifteenth day of the month Abib. The year would be
1250 B.C. Ramses II of Egypt was probably the Pharaoh during this time. On the tenth day of the
month of Abib, each individual family was instructed to place to the side one lamb. This lamb
could not be just any lamb. God instructed Moses to tell the people the families to find a male
lamb in which there were no blemishes. This male lamb had to be one year old. When this lamb
was found, then the family was instructed to bring it into their home. For four days, the animal
would dwell with them. The children probably enjoyed playing with the new animal. On the other
hand, the parents probably got tired of the lamb being around. Whatever the case, the lamb was
just “killing time.”
    On the fourteenth day of the month Abib, the father was instructed to kill the lamb. The blood
of the animal was to be applied upon the family’s doorposts. This was done in order for God’s
death angel to pass over the home. If the lamb’s blood was not applied on the outside of the
doorposts, then the death angel would kill the firstborn. All of the firstborn of the house of Egypt
died on the night of the Passover. The reason is that God’s wrath was being poured out because
of the punishment being brought upon the entire land and people of Egypt. God’s chosen
people, the children of Israel, obeyed Moses’ instructions and did just as they were told.
Pharaoh laughed at Moses and Aaron. However, Moses and the children of Israel would get the
last laugh. This last laugh, which was God’s last straw, would be a devastating one. All of this
can be found in Exodus chapter twelve.
    Later on in history, the father of the home would take the precious lamb to the synagogue. In
the synagogue, the lamb would be put to death. This was done with a knife, to ensure that the
lamb was dead. After all of this, the father would bring the dead lamb back home. The children
would be told the story of how God delivered His people out of Egypt’s bondage. This festival
would end with the family at home eating the roasted lamb. Every year, this festival was
observed and handed down to generation after generation. Each time, God would receive the
glory.
    The word “destroyer” is found in Exodus 12:23. Only one other time, I Corinthians 10:10, in the
whole entire Bible is this word used. Basically, a destroyer was used by God as an instrument to
show the wrath that was being poured out upon the people. This would evidently show God’s
judgment and just how serious He was about obeying His commandments. If the blood was
applied to the door posts, then the destroyer would move on to the next house.
    In some of the older cultures, the blood of animals was placed upon the doorposts. This was
done in order to keep the evil spirits away from the home in which the family lived. It can be said
that some of the ancient people participated in and celebrated their own type of passover. This
type of passover took place many years before the children of Israel celebrated the Passover.
There were some custom in which a lamb was slain on the evening before a full moon. This type
of sacrifice would take place during the spring time. Evidence of this can be seen in studying
the history of shepherd people. The meat from this sacrifice would be roasted. Bitter herbs and
unleavened bread would accompany the meat during this meal. Even though all of this might
have taken place before the Passover, God truly used the tenth plague upon Egypt in such a way
that the Passover was never forgotten. Clearly, the Israelites were protected from God’s
judgment sent down through the death messenger/destroyer. The Passover fully reached its
highest point after the exodus took place. It was then that the Passover truly became a national
festival and celebration for the children of Israel.
    When someone hears about the Passover, then automatically the story found in the book of
Exodus comes to mind. Young children can even recall the story in which ten plagues, Pharaoh,
Moses, and the Passover all play important roles in. For God instructed Moses to go and plead
with Pharaoh. God’s people were to be let free from bondage. Time after time, Moses rehearsed
God’s words in the ears of Pharaoh. Time after time, Pharaoh rehearsed words in which a
negative response was attached to. God had told Moses that Pharaoh’s heart would be
hardened. When Moses would approach Pharaoh, Pharaoh would literally laugh at Moses and at
his God. God’s sign of freedom came when He said that all the firstborn, of man and beast, in the
land of Egypt would be slaughtered.
    After the sacrificial lamb was slain, God instructed that all of the meat be roasted. This meant
that the meat could not be soaked in water. In addition, the meat was not to be consumed raw. If
there were any remains, then they were to be burnt the following morning. These instructions
are listed in the first twelve verses of chapter twelve of the book of Exodus.
    As soon as the Passover was celebrated, then Israel was instructed to remember yet another
day of importance. God instructed Moses to remember the month of Nisan. On the fourteenth
day of this month, which was the first month of the new year, the children of Israel were to eat
unleavened bread (Ex. 13:3,6). This was to be done for seven straight days. In addition, other
acts of God was to be remembered after the Passover. Many seem to associate the Passover
with just the remembrance of the death angel passing over each home. Some other acts that
were done by God were to be remembered. For instance, the parting of the Red Sea was a
tremendous miracle that was performed by the hand of God. In addition, God wanted His
children to remember what He did to the Egyptians after their pursuit into the wilderness.
    The Passover meal is called Seder (SAY duhr). Kosher food is fixed as well as served and
prepared according to the law in which the Jews abide by. This meal is not just any other meal.
In order for Jews to keep the Passover meal separate from their other meals, special dishes are
reserved and set aside for Seder. If everyday forks, spoons, knives, and other utensils are used
during this time then they are cleansed and purified for this special occasion.
    Moses told the people to put away leaven bread out of their homes(Ex. 12:15). This is still
carried over even today. On the day that the Passover begins, then after breakfast is served all
of the leavened bread is gathered together. After this is done, then either the bread is sold or it
is thrown out. Seder is considered to be a meal in which happiness can be found. In fact the
worship service is combined during Seder. As soon as the candles are lit, then all of the
children will scurry over to the table in order to see if everything is in place and ready to be
eaten. When the children find their place at the table, then the little book of Haggadah (ha GAD
duh) is awaiting to welcome them. This book contains the story of the bondage in which the
children of Israel was enslaved in. The plagues and the flight out of Egypt is also contained
within the pages of this book. Pictures, decorations, and the order of prayers can also be found
throughout the book of Haggadah.
    At this event, Gentile friends may be found sitting among the Jewish family. When everyone is
seated, the father of the Jewish family will rise from his seat and begin to recite the Ho-Lachmo
Anyo (HOH-LACH moh AHN yuh). While he is doing this, the plate of matzos (MAHT zohs) can be
found in his hand. This plate is held up high. He will then precede to say the following: “This is
the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and
eat. Let all who are in need come and celebrate Pesach with us.”
    While all of this is taken place, questions can often be heard being asked concerning the
Passover. Children may even read out of the Haggadah. Unleavened bread will probably be
broken and served to the ones who are seated around the table. Singing and word games can
also find their way into the celebration service that is being held within the home of a Jewish
family. After all is said and done, then the father of the house will say a short prayer of blessing.
When this is complete, the Passover has passed and will not be celebrated again for another
year. While the children hurry off to bed, the men and women will sit around and chat with one
another. They may even continue on singing Psalms while even slipping in a few Passover
legends.
    Jesus also celebrated the Passover. It was during this time that Jesus celebrated His Last
Supper with the disciples. This will lead into the next discussion of the Last Supper, sometimes
referred to as the Lord’s Supper.
    THE LORD’S SUPPER

    The Lord’s Supper can also be referred to as the Last Supper. Jesus had observed the
Passover during His entire earthly life. However, around the age of thirty-three years of age
Jesus would not only observe the Passover but participate in it. The disciples were gathered
together in the upper room. Way before the entire group arrived in the upper room, Jesus had
sent a few of His disciples ahead to prepare for the Passover. At the end of His last Passover
meal, Jesus observed this special occasion with His twelve disciples.
    The New Testament talks about the Lord’s Supper on a number of occasions. Matthew 26:26-
29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20, 27-30; and I Corinthians 11:23-26 are the places in the New
Testament discussing the Lord’s Last Supper with His disciples. The Holy Spirit inspired each
writer of each book to write down what was conveyed to him.
    When the Lord’s Supper is talked about, then different terms may be applied to this special
occasion. The Lord’s Supper derives its name from I Corinthians 11:20. Each one of the different
names ascribed to the Lord’s Supper can back up its use with support from the Holy Bible. The
most common name is the Holy Communion. This title gets its name from I Corinthians 10:16.
Another term that is used is the Breaking of Bread. Acts 2:42 can back up support for this
phrase. The Eucharist is one of the other words used to describe the Lord’s Supper. The Greek
word which means thanksgiving is where the Eucharist is branched off of. Mark 14:23 is just one
Scripture reference. All of these terms have their proper place when talking about this particular
sacrament of the church.
    Everything that was mentioned in the Passover section would apply to the Lord’s Supper. As
the disciples would gather around the table, Jesus took the bread and broke it. Jesus blessed
this bread and then distributed it to His disciples. This means that the ones present in the upper
room ate unleavened bread. Jesus made sure to give thanks to God for what was about to be
consumed in the stomach. Jesus then took the cup and also gave thanks to God. After He gave
thanks, Jesus passed the cup around for all to drink from it.
    While Jesus is celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples, He reminds them of what they
are really about to do. Jesus tells His disciples to eat the bread because the bread represented
His body. The command is given to take the bread. The body of Christ is given to all. Jesus
wanted them to understand the real meaning behind this very special Passover meal. This
should not be done for no particular reason. Jesus reminds the disciples that all of what is being
done is in remembrance of Him. When the Lord’s Supper is performed, it should not be
performed in vain. Next, Jesus takes the cup. In this act of remembrance, Jesus says that the
wine represents the blood of the covenant. This new covenant is made with the blood of Jesus
Christ. The blood of Christ is poured out to all. As seen in the same light, Jesus blood is given
for all. In essence, Exodus 24:8 seems to be repeated in a very unique way. Jesus wants His
disciples to recall to memory the real reason of the Passover.
    The Lord’s Supper is very serious. There is nothing common about this particular sacrament.
Jesus gives a command to do all of this in remembrance of Him. This is not just merely an
option. This is a command. A command is a statement given by an individual in order for it to be
carried out on a continual basis. Time and again, this action is to repeated by believers.
    The meal in which Jesus and the disciples ate was clearly the Passover meal (Mk. 14:12-16).
Jesus was the Host of this particular Passover meal. The evidence supports and proves that the
Lord’s Supper was the Passover meal because of the paschal character of the meal itself.
Another key evidence of support is the fact that the Synoptic Gospels tell when the meal took
place (Mk. 14:12). Still yet, the meal was held at evening time (Jn. 13:30) in Jerusalem with just
the twelve disciples. John says that the disciples reclined (13:22, 28). This is a clear indication
that the meal was done at the Passover. The reason being is that it was quite customary for
people to recline at the meal of the Passover. When this was done, a symbol of freedom was felt
among the participants. Wine was drunk, for the most part, at the Passover and other festivals
but not at ordinary meals. The list could go on and on but one final note should be added here.
Jesus made sure to stay in Jerusalem when the meal was over. The Bible says that He lead His
disciples in singing. It was customary for the Passover to be held only in Jerusalem and its
surrounding villages.

    RELATIONSHIP OF THE PASSOVER TO THE LORD’S SUPPER

    The Passover done in ancient time consisted of the shedding of blood. This meant that the
paschal lamb would be the killed and sacrificed. God desired for His people to be obedient.
Even though this was nothing more than a symbolic gesture, more was being said by the
obedience of the children of Israel. The innocent blood of the lamb stained the entrance way of
the door posts. This shedding of blood would eventually lead to another night to remember.
Jesus had told His disciples about His coming death. At times, they did not quite understand
everything that was said. However, during the Last Supper Jesus was clearly telling His
disciples that His crucifixion would soon take place. For this horrific event would be sooner than
expected. This fact would be irreversible. Before Jesus revealed in full what would take place,
Jesus wanted to make sure that His followers understood how to properly prepare for the Last
Supper. Detailed instructions were to be followed out. In the same sense, God had earlier
instructed the children of Israel to properly carry out His instructions. How ironic this is.
    The disciples had faithfully attended the Passover meals that their families had for them when
they were children. What Jesus did at the Last Supper was quite astounding. The reason is that
this had never happened at any other previous Passover meal. Jesus got up from the place
where He was resting. For some time, Jesus had been comfortably reclining around the table.
This was no longer the case because Jesus got out of His comfort zone. In so doing, He took off
His outer cloak. He then preceded to grab hold of a towel. The towel was put around Him. With a
basin of water ready and in hand, Jesus started washing the feet of His disciples (Jn. 13:2-5).
This was a clear indication of what being a true servant is all about. Jesus wanted His disciples
to know that He truly loved them and was willing to do whatever it took in order to demonstrate
His love for them and for the entire world.
    On the tenth day of the first month, according to the Jewish calendar, Jesus entered into the
city of Jerusalem for the last and final time. A great number of people met Jesus. These people
were praising Him, waiving palm branches, and saying blessed is He who comes in the name of
the Lord. The people’s mouth were truly praising Christ. However, their heart was far from their
actions. Jesus was seen in the eyes of the people as the Favorite Son and as King. King Jesus
had arrived into the city of David, and according to the people’s thought process, and was going
to sit on the throne of David.
    The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem took place during the prime time of the life of Jesus. In
fact, the disciples began to argue amongst themselves about who was truly the greatest and
would hold the greatest position in the kingdom of God. It would be safe to say that the disciples
truly thought that Jesus was about to sit up His earthly reign. In so doing, the disciples knew that
they would each hold a high up position in Jesus’ kingdom. When the people showed up
praising Jesus, the disciples were that much confident in believing in their King, Lord, and
Master. On the other hand, Jesus knew what His mission in life was. Before a kingdom and reign
would ever take place, a sacrifice would have to come first. This sacrifice would be very
important. Jesus knew that He was the Unblemished Passover Lamb.
    When Jesus came down from Heaven, He took on the form of a man. Jesus was truly God and
truly man. This is a wonderful mystery but is very true. By taking on the form of a man, Jesus was
faced with every single form of sin imaginable. In every single way, Jesus was tempted as man
is. Satan had even tempted Jesus. Through all of this, Jesus never once sinned. This meant
that Jesus was without blemish. He was the Only One worthy to die in the place of sinful men. As
the day wore off, the disciples soon realized that the earthly reign of Christ was out of the picture
for the time being. This hope faded for the disciples but a new Hope was just over the horizon.
    The Perfect Lamb of God was tried, condemned, and sentenced to die. In the Passover, a
perfect lamb had to be the one killed for the sins of the people. The Ultimate Sacrifice would be
slain on a cross for the entire world to see. This was done in shame, humiliation, and great
disgust. The stripes were put upon His back, the spikes were driven into His hands and feet, and
a spear was pushed through His side. In the end of the agony, pain, and hurt, God had to turn
His face away and forsake His Only Begotten Son. Jesus had taken upon Him the entire sin of the
world. In great pain and distress Jesus called out from the tree that His Father had forsaken
Him. The ultimate Passover Lamb had been offered during the Passover. There was no escaping
the pain. There is the idea that Jesus could have called ten thousand times ten thousand
angels. Even with all of this at His disposal, Jesus willingly gave His life for those lost in sin. The
blood of Christ flowed down Calvary’s hill. With His arms stretched out wide, Jesus died and
showed the world just how much He really loved them.
     In modern Passover, Jews today still remember the celebration of deliverance that God
showed towards His people in the land of Egypt. Even though the celebration is still
acknowledge, the way of doing the Passover has definitely changed. Today, Jews no longer
serve lamb as the meat. In order to carry on with the tradition of the Passover, the shank bone
of a lamb is cut and roasted. It is then put onto a plate. The father of the household then takes
the shank bone and explains the symbolism involved in calling to remembrance the one killed in
order for the Jews to be delivered. The temple was totally demolished and destroyed in 70 A.D.
Since then, the lamb being slaughtered every year is not necessary. The main reason that it is
not necessary to kill a lamb is because the ultimate sacrifice was done by the Lamb of God.
    In today’s society, most Bible-believing churches remember and observe the Lord’s Supper
around the time of Easter. This ordinance is not just another tradition done by the church. In a
very reverent and humble way, Christians should be willing to remember the true reason behind
the Passover and the Lord’s Supper. For both of these go hand in hand with one another. Jesus
chose to be the Savior of the world by willingly offering Himself. The Jews and Gentiles have the
ability to partake of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Sacrifice.


    CONCLUSION

    Without a shout of a doubt, Jesus clearly presented His body as the bread and blood as the
wine. When Christians come into a service to partake of the Lord’s Supper, then each individual
needs to take time to do a personal examination of his life. The Christian should ask God to
forgive him of unconfessed sins and other distracting things going on in life. As honoring the
Lord’s Supper is, singing was a part of Christ’s final hours on the earth. This should remind
believers that true joy can be found only in Jesus Christ. In everything that has been said, one
final thought should be added. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrament. This means that the Lord’s
Supper has absolutely no saving power whatsoever. It took just One Lamb to die once and for all
for everyone. There is no other sacrifice worthy of such a sacrifice as Christ’s.

Dr. Jad Khalaf

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