Important Notice:
Always check out what you read and hear for yourself, using the Bible, asking our HEAVENLY FATHER for wisdom, guidance, and understanding. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website, without first doing your own homework. As Christians, we should be listening to GOD's WORD, not what someone else has to say if it can't be documented. As it's written in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Please note, the yellow text within our studies is Scripture, whereas the white text is our commentary.
Passover & Communion
Passover is supposed to be one of the most celebrated times of the year for Christians but unfortunately many substitute it for easter, which is actually named after a pagan goddess eostre, and has nothing at all to do with CHRIST. As it's written in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, CHRIST became our Passover, not our easter, and that's something very important to keep in mind that should never be forgotten. As we begin this study, we'll start in Exodus with the first Passover and we'll see how JESUS CHRIST HIMself fulfilled it in the New Testament. May our HEAVENLY FATHER open your eyes to our TRUE celebration at this time of year.
Exodus 12
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,
2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
"This month" mentioned, is referring to the first month on the Hebrew calendar, called Abib. Abib or "Nisan" as some call it, begins in Spring and is when the true new year begins, as Spring symbolizes and brings forth new life. Based on the Hebrew Solar calendar, this would occur the evening when day and night are of equal lengths (i.e. 12 hours day, 12 hours night), which would occur in Jerusalem, depending on measured location, and most other places of the world on March 16th at sundown.
3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
4 and if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
Why split between the neighbor? Because the whole lamb was to be consumed before morning, except for the bones, and if a family was too small, it would be too much to eat.
5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Notice the lamb was to be a male without blemish. The reason for this is because it symbolized and foreshadowed JESUS who would eventually fulfill this and become our ultimate sacrifice, the LAMB slain, for one and all times (see Hebrews 10:12), and never once did HE sin (see 1 John 3:5), which is what blemish symbolized.
6 and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
Why was it to be killed in the evening? Because killing it in the evening would guarantee that it was fresh and safe. After all, they didn't have refrigerators back then.
7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
The blood over the door posts showed their obedience to the FATHER and protected them against death, and how that relates to us today is that JESUS' blood saves us from eternal death (hell fire), whereby we can live forever in Heaven. Just as the Israelite's put the blood of their lambs on their door posts, so should be have the blood of the LAMB (CHRIST) on the door posts of our hearts/minds (spiritually speaking), as that is the only way to be Saved from the wages of sin, which is death.
8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread (symbolic of pureness/sinlessness); and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
In other words, GOD didn't want this prepared in any way that the Egyptians would. Why unleavened bread? Because leaven represents sin (corruption) and it is too time consuming. This meal was to be partaken of quickly. The "bitter herbs" were to remind the children of Israel of the bitterness that they served under the Egyptians, in those hard times of bondage for the past 430 years. Also with the bitterness, you can't help but think about the satanic religious leaders who had CHRIST crucified.
9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
The purpose of this was so that it wouldn't lose its flavor and so that it would be presented as a sacrifice. Remember also that our GOD is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).
10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
In other words, when the morning came, they were to get of and burn the leftovers such as the bones, whereby nothing remained and it all was cleansed. Again, we'll see later on below how this was fulfilled with CHRIST.
11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.
To "eat it in haste" means to eat it quickly. To have "your loins girded" meant that you were prepared in the sense of armour and that you were ready for action. How that relates to us today is the fact that as Christians, we are to be prepared with the Gospel armour (GOD's WORD) on at all times so that we can stand against the lies of satan (see Ephesians 6:11-18).
12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Remember as GOD promised Abraham, which applies to HIS descendants (i.e. Israel) as well, and all those grafted in today (see Galatians 3:26-29), HE said, "...I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee..." The Egyptians were guilty of some of the most horrific crimes, including infanticide, as the Pharaoh ordered for all the Israelite male babies to be murdered (Exodus 1:16, 1:22). The reason for this final plague of the death of the first born, was to get ahold of the Egyptians and Pharoah's attention to finally release the Israelite's from their 430 years of harsh slavery. GOD said in Exodus 7:5, "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." Remember, a child is not punished for the sins of the parent (Ezekiel 18:20), but if a child walks in the same ways/sins as their parents, they will suffer the same consequences, and any house which was not covered by the blood of the lamb was left out of GOD's protection. Perhaps the first born was selected because it was the firstborn which carried the birthright, and in a sense, GOD's first born is Israel and again after 430 years of Israel being oppressed and badly mistreated, GOD finally had enough and knew this would be what it would take to finally get their attention and set Israel free, along with getting the Egyptians attention to turn from their idolatry. GOD has a lot of patience for people but one day it's all going to run out and HE is going to cleanse the house (world) for eternity. Again, our hearts/minds must be covered (spiritually speaking) with the blood of CHRIST.
13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
"Pass over" is where we get the word "Passover" today. As we can clearly see, GOD is giving these people a way out just as HE always does, even with us today, and so it's the people's choice on whether or not they want to listen and be kept safe. Again, the blood of the lamb is what will force the death angel to pass over. Our protection today from these end times and the huge deception to come, where the whole world except for GOD's elect will be deceived (Revelation 13), is to remain in the TRUE CHRIST, by receiving enough information of GOD's WORD, studying to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15), so that we have the SEAL of GOD in our foreheads (minds), whereby we aren't deceived during satan's tribulation into receiving his mark and worshiping him.
14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
And that is exactly why we keep it today and take Communion, by partaking of unleavened bread (symbolic of CHRIST's sinless body) and red wine (symbolic of CHRIST's pure blood). As JESUS HIMSELF said in Matthew 5:17-18 "17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Again, and as we will see below, HE became our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7) with the ultimate sacrifice that HE paid, which means we no longer are to sacrifice animals but instead simply our time to HIM, in HIS WORD, resting and focusing on HIM because HE was the LAMB who was sacrificed for one and all time.
15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Again, leavened was symbolic of sin/worldliness. Leavened is any type of bread/food made with raising agents such as yeast. Seven represents spiritual completeness and in these end times, CHRIST will return at the last trumpet (the seventh trumpet), after the tribulation of antichrist at the sixth trumpet is over.
16 And in the first day (i.e. on Passover [the first day of unleavened bread], beginning sundown on the evening of the 14th) there shall be an holy convocation (i.e. celebration), and in the seventh day (i.e. of unleaved bread) there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
Again, we observe this today because GOD said to do so "for ever".
18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
In the Bible, evening begins the next day, and no leavened is to be consumed from the fourteenth at evening until the twenty-first day at evening.
19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
21 Then 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.
22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.
Notice that no where have we been told to paint and roll easter eggs, which are pagan, heathen rituals but instead we're told to keep the Passover, which we do today in honor and remembrance of CHRIST our SAVIOR today. Many people have tried to "Christianize" heathen, pagan, practices and it simply just won't work because CHRIST was never a part of it and HE tells us exactly what HE thinks of doing that in Deuteronomy 12:28-32.
25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.
Regardless of where you live today, Passover and the feast of unleaved bread is to be kept, and below you'll see how we keep Passover today.
26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
Children should be taught and raised on the foundation of GOD's truth, not fables which spiritually sacrifice their beliefs to false gods like the easter bunny and santa claus.
27 that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
Those who obey GOD receive HIS blessings. Those who don't, Deuteronomy 28 tells us what happens to them.
29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
This just goes to show you how lost and astray these people really were from GOD (YHVH), that HE would have to go to this extent just to get their attention. You reap what you sow and GOD is always fair. Galatians 6:7-8 says "7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.
32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.
We must always remember not to become prideful/full of ourselves and take credit for what GOD has done for us and brought us through. After all, GOD hates self-righteousness (Proverbs 16:5).
33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
Something to note is that there had already been nine plagues to hit Egypt, and the people had lost crops, while the land turned to filth, water to blood, and so on, and this tenth plague was finally enough to get their hardheaded attention. These people knew that if the children of Israel were around much longer then they all would die; that being the ones who didn't follow in the ways of the children of Israel.
34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
Why did they listen? Because they knew Moses was of GOD and that he was speaking the words of GOD, from what HE had said unto him. Notice the plagues are now gone and if you go back a few chapters, you will even see it started with a serpent (symbolic of satan), from Aaron's rod (Exodus 7:10) and has now ended with the LAMB (CHRIST). That is just an example and forerunner of what is to take place in these end times with the antichrist/satan, who is that serpent (Revelation 12:9), and how he appears first (2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13) with his fiery darts (lies and deception) at the sixth trumpet, to deceive the world, before our TRUE CHRIST returns at the last trumpet (the seventh), to pour out HIS wrath and rejuvenate the earth for the third world age (eternity), which is our ultimate promised land as Christians.
36 and the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
After being in bondage for 430 years, they came out a lot richer than when they entered in. GOD always takes care of HIS own and blesses those who live accordingly to HIS WORD. Not only did this save the house of Israel but also all those in the future who would turn to GOD in repentance.
37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
That's 600,000 men of Israel alone, not including their wives, children, and the ones who followed them.
38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Symbolic of what is written in Galatians 3:26-29.
39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Just as these people were set free from bondage, so are all today set free in CHRIST, from the ways of this world, and have the opportunity of everlasting life (John 3:16-18) if they so choose it.
42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
43 And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
44 but every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
As we know from Romans 2:29, circumcision is now of the heart (i.e. when someone becomes a Christian) and all blood ordinances have been done away with (Colossians 2:14) because again, CHRIST has became our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7).
45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.
46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
This was another shadow of the things that came because remember, none of CHRIST's bones were broken at HIS crucifixion (John 19:36).
47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
See also: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29.
49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
50 Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
Just as they were delivered, so are we delivered today through the ultimate sacrifice of CHRIST, to all who believe and walk in HIM. Now that we understand how important this special time of the year is for us as CHRISTians, and we understand that CHRIST became our Passover, let us follow the wonderful examples of CHRIST as it's written in 1 Corinthians 11, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22.
2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
"This month" mentioned, is referring to the first month on the Hebrew calendar, called Abib. Abib or "Nisan" as some call it, begins in Spring and is when the true new year begins, as Spring symbolizes and brings forth new life. Based on the Hebrew Solar calendar, this would occur the evening when day and night are of equal lengths (i.e. 12 hours day, 12 hours night), which would occur in Jerusalem, depending on measured location, and most other places of the world on March 16th at sundown.
3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
4 and if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
Why split between the neighbor? Because the whole lamb was to be consumed before morning, except for the bones, and if a family was too small, it would be too much to eat.
5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Notice the lamb was to be a male without blemish. The reason for this is because it symbolized and foreshadowed JESUS who would eventually fulfill this and become our ultimate sacrifice, the LAMB slain, for one and all times (see Hebrews 10:12), and never once did HE sin (see 1 John 3:5), which is what blemish symbolized.
6 and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
Why was it to be killed in the evening? Because killing it in the evening would guarantee that it was fresh and safe. After all, they didn't have refrigerators back then.
7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
The blood over the door posts showed their obedience to the FATHER and protected them against death, and how that relates to us today is that JESUS' blood saves us from eternal death (hell fire), whereby we can live forever in Heaven. Just as the Israelite's put the blood of their lambs on their door posts, so should be have the blood of the LAMB (CHRIST) on the door posts of our hearts/minds (spiritually speaking), as that is the only way to be Saved from the wages of sin, which is death.
8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread (symbolic of pureness/sinlessness); and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
In other words, GOD didn't want this prepared in any way that the Egyptians would. Why unleavened bread? Because leaven represents sin (corruption) and it is too time consuming. This meal was to be partaken of quickly. The "bitter herbs" were to remind the children of Israel of the bitterness that they served under the Egyptians, in those hard times of bondage for the past 430 years. Also with the bitterness, you can't help but think about the satanic religious leaders who had CHRIST crucified.
9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
The purpose of this was so that it wouldn't lose its flavor and so that it would be presented as a sacrifice. Remember also that our GOD is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).
10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
In other words, when the morning came, they were to get of and burn the leftovers such as the bones, whereby nothing remained and it all was cleansed. Again, we'll see later on below how this was fulfilled with CHRIST.
11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.
To "eat it in haste" means to eat it quickly. To have "your loins girded" meant that you were prepared in the sense of armour and that you were ready for action. How that relates to us today is the fact that as Christians, we are to be prepared with the Gospel armour (GOD's WORD) on at all times so that we can stand against the lies of satan (see Ephesians 6:11-18).
12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Remember as GOD promised Abraham, which applies to HIS descendants (i.e. Israel) as well, and all those grafted in today (see Galatians 3:26-29), HE said, "...I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee..." The Egyptians were guilty of some of the most horrific crimes, including infanticide, as the Pharaoh ordered for all the Israelite male babies to be murdered (Exodus 1:16, 1:22). The reason for this final plague of the death of the first born, was to get ahold of the Egyptians and Pharoah's attention to finally release the Israelite's from their 430 years of harsh slavery. GOD said in Exodus 7:5, "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." Remember, a child is not punished for the sins of the parent (Ezekiel 18:20), but if a child walks in the same ways/sins as their parents, they will suffer the same consequences, and any house which was not covered by the blood of the lamb was left out of GOD's protection. Perhaps the first born was selected because it was the firstborn which carried the birthright, and in a sense, GOD's first born is Israel and again after 430 years of Israel being oppressed and badly mistreated, GOD finally had enough and knew this would be what it would take to finally get their attention and set Israel free, along with getting the Egyptians attention to turn from their idolatry. GOD has a lot of patience for people but one day it's all going to run out and HE is going to cleanse the house (world) for eternity. Again, our hearts/minds must be covered (spiritually speaking) with the blood of CHRIST.
13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
"Pass over" is where we get the word "Passover" today. As we can clearly see, GOD is giving these people a way out just as HE always does, even with us today, and so it's the people's choice on whether or not they want to listen and be kept safe. Again, the blood of the lamb is what will force the death angel to pass over. Our protection today from these end times and the huge deception to come, where the whole world except for GOD's elect will be deceived (Revelation 13), is to remain in the TRUE CHRIST, by receiving enough information of GOD's WORD, studying to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15), so that we have the SEAL of GOD in our foreheads (minds), whereby we aren't deceived during satan's tribulation into receiving his mark and worshiping him.
14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
And that is exactly why we keep it today and take Communion, by partaking of unleavened bread (symbolic of CHRIST's sinless body) and red wine (symbolic of CHRIST's pure blood). As JESUS HIMSELF said in Matthew 5:17-18 "17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Again, and as we will see below, HE became our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7) with the ultimate sacrifice that HE paid, which means we no longer are to sacrifice animals but instead simply our time to HIM, in HIS WORD, resting and focusing on HIM because HE was the LAMB who was sacrificed for one and all time.
15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Again, leavened was symbolic of sin/worldliness. Leavened is any type of bread/food made with raising agents such as yeast. Seven represents spiritual completeness and in these end times, CHRIST will return at the last trumpet (the seventh trumpet), after the tribulation of antichrist at the sixth trumpet is over.
16 And in the first day (i.e. on Passover [the first day of unleavened bread], beginning sundown on the evening of the 14th) there shall be an holy convocation (i.e. celebration), and in the seventh day (i.e. of unleaved bread) there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
Again, we observe this today because GOD said to do so "for ever".
18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
In the Bible, evening begins the next day, and no leavened is to be consumed from the fourteenth at evening until the twenty-first day at evening.
19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
21 Then 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.
22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.
Notice that no where have we been told to paint and roll easter eggs, which are pagan, heathen rituals but instead we're told to keep the Passover, which we do today in honor and remembrance of CHRIST our SAVIOR today. Many people have tried to "Christianize" heathen, pagan, practices and it simply just won't work because CHRIST was never a part of it and HE tells us exactly what HE thinks of doing that in Deuteronomy 12:28-32.
25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.
Regardless of where you live today, Passover and the feast of unleaved bread is to be kept, and below you'll see how we keep Passover today.
26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
Children should be taught and raised on the foundation of GOD's truth, not fables which spiritually sacrifice their beliefs to false gods like the easter bunny and santa claus.
27 that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
Those who obey GOD receive HIS blessings. Those who don't, Deuteronomy 28 tells us what happens to them.
29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
This just goes to show you how lost and astray these people really were from GOD (YHVH), that HE would have to go to this extent just to get their attention. You reap what you sow and GOD is always fair. Galatians 6:7-8 says "7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.
32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.
We must always remember not to become prideful/full of ourselves and take credit for what GOD has done for us and brought us through. After all, GOD hates self-righteousness (Proverbs 16:5).
33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
Something to note is that there had already been nine plagues to hit Egypt, and the people had lost crops, while the land turned to filth, water to blood, and so on, and this tenth plague was finally enough to get their hardheaded attention. These people knew that if the children of Israel were around much longer then they all would die; that being the ones who didn't follow in the ways of the children of Israel.
34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
Why did they listen? Because they knew Moses was of GOD and that he was speaking the words of GOD, from what HE had said unto him. Notice the plagues are now gone and if you go back a few chapters, you will even see it started with a serpent (symbolic of satan), from Aaron's rod (Exodus 7:10) and has now ended with the LAMB (CHRIST). That is just an example and forerunner of what is to take place in these end times with the antichrist/satan, who is that serpent (Revelation 12:9), and how he appears first (2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13) with his fiery darts (lies and deception) at the sixth trumpet, to deceive the world, before our TRUE CHRIST returns at the last trumpet (the seventh), to pour out HIS wrath and rejuvenate the earth for the third world age (eternity), which is our ultimate promised land as Christians.
36 and the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
After being in bondage for 430 years, they came out a lot richer than when they entered in. GOD always takes care of HIS own and blesses those who live accordingly to HIS WORD. Not only did this save the house of Israel but also all those in the future who would turn to GOD in repentance.
37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
That's 600,000 men of Israel alone, not including their wives, children, and the ones who followed them.
38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Symbolic of what is written in Galatians 3:26-29.
39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Just as these people were set free from bondage, so are all today set free in CHRIST, from the ways of this world, and have the opportunity of everlasting life (John 3:16-18) if they so choose it.
42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
43 And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
44 but every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
As we know from Romans 2:29, circumcision is now of the heart (i.e. when someone becomes a Christian) and all blood ordinances have been done away with (Colossians 2:14) because again, CHRIST has became our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7).
45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.
46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
This was another shadow of the things that came because remember, none of CHRIST's bones were broken at HIS crucifixion (John 19:36).
47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
See also: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29.
49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
50 Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
Just as they were delivered, so are we delivered today through the ultimate sacrifice of CHRIST, to all who believe and walk in HIM. Now that we understand how important this special time of the year is for us as CHRISTians, and we understand that CHRIST became our Passover, let us follow the wonderful examples of CHRIST as it's written in 1 Corinthians 11, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22.
1 Corinthians 11:23-34
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Remember this bread is symbolic of CHRIST's body who is the bread of life (John 6:35). As we're instructed, the bread we are to use should be unleavened bread (bread without raising agents [e.g. yeast]) which represents purity, just as CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) was pure, perfect, and without sin. Many flat breads are considered unleavened which to verify, you can just read the ingredients. Isaiah 53:5 tells us, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Hebrews 9:22 says "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Again, CHRIST's sacrifice was for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12). Although it's recommended and best to use red wine, if you have none or are not capable of controlling yourself, it's probably okay to also use grape juice or water as CHRIST is our living water (John 4:14).
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
This is how we remember and honor our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, and that is by partaking of the unleavened bread (symbolic of CHRIST's sinless body), the red wine (symbolic of CHRIST's blood), and remembering the precious price HE paid to save us as mankind so that we may live forever in HIS Kingdom, where there is no more pain, sorrow, tears, or suffering (Revelation 21:4). Remember the blood of the Passover lamb of Moses' time protected the Israelites from the “destroyer”, which caused him to pass over their homes, which enabled them to be free from bondage and led them to the promised land. The Blood of CHRIST (our Passover LAMB today), protects us from that same “destroyer" and frees us from the bondage of our sins, that through repentance we may be led to the ultimate promised land (the eternity) one day. See also: 2 Peter 3:9.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Keep in mind that we don't do this to fill our hunger and to make a filling meal out of this, but instead to set our minds on CHRIST and all the wonderful things HE has done for us in our lives, and at the cross, and we do that by partaking of a quick portion.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Examine your thoughts. Are you focused on the real reason for this portion, with the time leading up to CHRIST's crucifixion or are you focused on satisfying your bodily desires? Because if your thoughts aren't on HIM, then you shouldn't take of the bread and cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
If your mind is not on that remembrance mode, then you are drinking to your own damnation. Keep in mind that this is not the time to focus on your sins that you have committed, but instead your entire focus being on the LORD's body that was crucified for your sins, so that you could be forgiven, with the chance of eternal life, when you come to HIM in repentance. It is only JESUS CHRIST/EMMANUEL (GOD in the flesh) that was able to make that perfect sacrifice for our sins for those who would come to repentance. Again, examine yourself as to what is in your mind and in your thoughts before you go to the table of the LORD. Remember, you can't con GOD, for HE knows what you're thinking at all times through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (HIS SPIRIT).
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Always remember that we can take Communion at any time of the year but this time of the year is a must, along with Pentecost (50 days after Passover), and the Feast of Tabernacles. Exodus 23:14-16 says, "14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16 and the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field." We serve an awesome GOD who is worthy to be praised every day. Forever trust in HIM.
Below is a calendar, of the dates this year (2023), based on our understanding, along with some encouraging songs below, to help focus our minds on the final hours leading up to JESUS' crucifixion. More important than the date though is the fact that we at least observe it, as our HEAVENLY FATHER tells us to remember it "for ever".
24 and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Remember this bread is symbolic of CHRIST's body who is the bread of life (John 6:35). As we're instructed, the bread we are to use should be unleavened bread (bread without raising agents [e.g. yeast]) which represents purity, just as CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) was pure, perfect, and without sin. Many flat breads are considered unleavened which to verify, you can just read the ingredients. Isaiah 53:5 tells us, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Hebrews 9:22 says "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Again, CHRIST's sacrifice was for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12). Although it's recommended and best to use red wine, if you have none or are not capable of controlling yourself, it's probably okay to also use grape juice or water as CHRIST is our living water (John 4:14).
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
This is how we remember and honor our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, and that is by partaking of the unleavened bread (symbolic of CHRIST's sinless body), the red wine (symbolic of CHRIST's blood), and remembering the precious price HE paid to save us as mankind so that we may live forever in HIS Kingdom, where there is no more pain, sorrow, tears, or suffering (Revelation 21:4). Remember the blood of the Passover lamb of Moses' time protected the Israelites from the “destroyer”, which caused him to pass over their homes, which enabled them to be free from bondage and led them to the promised land. The Blood of CHRIST (our Passover LAMB today), protects us from that same “destroyer" and frees us from the bondage of our sins, that through repentance we may be led to the ultimate promised land (the eternity) one day. See also: 2 Peter 3:9.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Keep in mind that we don't do this to fill our hunger and to make a filling meal out of this, but instead to set our minds on CHRIST and all the wonderful things HE has done for us in our lives, and at the cross, and we do that by partaking of a quick portion.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Examine your thoughts. Are you focused on the real reason for this portion, with the time leading up to CHRIST's crucifixion or are you focused on satisfying your bodily desires? Because if your thoughts aren't on HIM, then you shouldn't take of the bread and cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
If your mind is not on that remembrance mode, then you are drinking to your own damnation. Keep in mind that this is not the time to focus on your sins that you have committed, but instead your entire focus being on the LORD's body that was crucified for your sins, so that you could be forgiven, with the chance of eternal life, when you come to HIM in repentance. It is only JESUS CHRIST/EMMANUEL (GOD in the flesh) that was able to make that perfect sacrifice for our sins for those who would come to repentance. Again, examine yourself as to what is in your mind and in your thoughts before you go to the table of the LORD. Remember, you can't con GOD, for HE knows what you're thinking at all times through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (HIS SPIRIT).
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Always remember that we can take Communion at any time of the year but this time of the year is a must, along with Pentecost (50 days after Passover), and the Feast of Tabernacles. Exodus 23:14-16 says, "14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16 and the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field." We serve an awesome GOD who is worthy to be praised every day. Forever trust in HIM.
Below is a calendar, of the dates this year (2023), based on our understanding, along with some encouraging songs below, to help focus our minds on the final hours leading up to JESUS' crucifixion. More important than the date though is the fact that we at least observe it, as our HEAVENLY FATHER tells us to remember it "for ever".
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