04/17/2025
Thursday, of the last week, as they observe Passover, Jesus institutes the Sacrament. Three keys…
1. Both ordinances look back in remembrance and forward in anticipation. The Passover reminds Israel of their freedom from bo***ge in Egypt and looks forward to the coming of Christ, the pascal lamb. The lambs blood on the doorposts a graphic symbol for both. The Sacrament remembers His Atoning sacrifice and looks forward in anticipation to His Second Coming, “until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
2. The Passover was to be observed as a memorial ordinance among Israel forever, (see Ex. 12:13, 17, 24), so then why don’t we keep it today? We do! The ordinance and principles remain, only the form has changed, meaning the Atonement of Christ, which it anticipated, has come to pass. Note, the Atonement takes place on the Passover, and as Paul reminds us, “Christ our Passover was crucified for us” (1 Cor. 5:7)!
3. Finally, at the last supper, Jesus declares, “this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” His blood is a key element, on the door posts anciently and symbolized in the water/wine on Sunday. A constant reminder that in the Garden, “being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground.” To bleed from one’s pores, “hematradosis” is the medical term is a very rare occurrence!
In addition to the awful agony of Gethsemane and on the cross, at some point the Father’s presence was removed, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”? He had to tread the wine press alone and He sweats blood. A great propitiation, “the sacrifice that makes payment for!” Each Sunday, He extends to us that same cup in remembrance and anticipation of Him. Jesus invites us, “this do in remembrance of me.” Happy Easter week all!
