Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." ESV Luke 22:19

The Passover meal is an annual event that Jews share in every year. Its origins go all the way back to Egypt when the angel of death passed through the land. You will recall that the tenth and final plague that God brought against the Egyptians was one of death. Yet the Hebrews were spared that evening because they had smeared the blood of a sacrificial lamb on their doorposts and lentils just as God had commanded. The angel of death “passed over” their homes. To commemorate that event, or perhaps more particularly to sustain the remembrance of God’s deliverance, the Passover was initiated and is still observed today.

The Passover meal is special. It has a good many parts and a particular order. Each food item brings special significance to the meal. For instance, bitter herbs are dipped into salty water to bring to remembrance the bitterness of slavery and the tears that were shed. The meal also involves unleavened bread, wine, roasted lamb and other components; all of which have particular significance.

Jesus and His disciples had gathered to eat just such a Passover meal. The food items would be the same as every other year in their memory. The order of the meal would be just as it was every other year. The disciples would have anticipated a very routine celebration. Much like we anticipate a routine Thanksgiving or Christmas meal today. But Jesus introduces something different at this meal; He breaks with tradition.

This Passover meal would be anything but routine. Jesus broke with tradition that evening by uttering the words that are engraved on countless tables: “Do this in remembrance of me.” And with those words, Jesus instituted what we know today as the Lord’s Supper.

While the Passover celebration had brought to remembrance God’s deliverance and redemption of a nation out of captivity, the Lord’s Supper should bring to remembrance the finished work of Jesus. His death, burial and resurrection makes possible our redemption and deliverance from the penalty of sin; which is eternal spiritual death. You see, as Christians, Christ is our Passover Lamb.

The Apostle Paul confirms this in his letter to the Corinthians: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” [emphasis mine] ESV 1 Corinthians 5:7

In anticipation of His death on the cross, and subsequent resurrection, Jesus seemed to be telling the disciples:

• I am your redemption.
• I am your deliverance.
• I am The Lamb of God that will deliver you from certain death.
• I, Jesus Christ, am your Passover Lamb.
• From now on, remember and celebrate Me!

As you approach Easter Sunday this week, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection. And the next time you’re fortunate enough to share the Lord’s Supper, I hope it brings to remembrance Christ and his finished work. He died, as a perfect sacrifice, so that you could have eternal life.

Have a great week!

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church where he teaches an adult Sunday School class. Comments on his column may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.