Wave Sheaf Offering - Last Day of Unleavened Bread April 21, 2014

Wave Sheaf Offering                 April 21, 2014       Last Day of Unleavened Bread

 

As we look back at the special Sabbath, the weekly Sabbath that is in the Feast of Unleavened Bread, there was a special ceremony happening and I would like for us to look at it.   

To me, this ceremony has very little interest in the past, it is very hard to understand in some ways because we very seldom even look at it or even talk about it, and is largely ignored by Christians today, but it is very encouraging to each of us when we understand it. 

This ceremony is called, the Wave Sheaf Offering.  It must be important; otherwise, why would God put it in with all the Feasts of the Lord in the book of Leviticus. 

This day is called, the beginning of the harvest, sometimes confusingly called Feast of Firstfruits. 

Let’s turn to the book of Leviticus. 

(Lev 23:9 NIV)  The LORD said to Moses, 

(Lev 23:10 NIV)  "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain (firstfruits ) you harvest. 

This did not start until they enter and settle in the land 

(Lev 23:11 NIV)  He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath. 

(Lev 23:12 NIV)  On the day you wave the sheaf, you must sacrifice as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb a year old without defect, 

(Lev 23:13-15 NIV)  together with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil--an offering made to the LORD by fire, a pleasing aroma--and its drink offering of a quarter of a hin (liquid measure) of wine. {14} You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live. {15} "'From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter around 60 AD, around 25 to 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus to a Gentile congregation that we learn was observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Paul alerts us to the fact that the Holydays contain a prophetic component: a ‘shadow of things to come’.  With this parallel in mind, we can better discern the purpose of the Wave Sheaf Offering. 

(Col 2:16-17 NIV)  Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. {17} These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.  Now, let’s look at this.

The agricultural cycle of ancient Israel revolved around three seasons of harvest each year, some say two. The spring harvest began in the first month with the offering of the wave sheaf during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This first harvest consisted of barley and lasted for forty-nine days--exactly seven weeks, until Pentecost. The barley harvest was followed by a summer harvest of wheat and a fall harvest of grapes. The end of each year's harvesting was celebrated by observing the Feast of Tabernacles. Before any grain could be harvested in the spring, this unusual ceremony took place to start the spring harvest season.

Notice, No one was to eat any of the grain of the harvest until the first sheaf of the harvest was brought to the priest, who in turn waved it before God. 

This ceremony was done each year by the Priests until the destruction of the Temple.  

Why is this ceremony important to us today. 

What are “firstfruits?” The firstfruits are the best of the first produce of a harvest to mature and ripen. The wave-sheaf offering is the very first of the firstfruits. 

How and what did the Priests do for this ceremony. 

The sheaf offering was strictly arranged by the priesthood, and performed by the priest in the Temple; The sheaf offering was offered only, once a year; offered in the springtime, during the Days of Unleavened Bread.  

We have to remember, the spring harvest season could not begin until the wave-sheaf offering was made to and accepted by God 

Typically, the priests from the Temple, in preparation of the sheaf offering for all the people would perform the following.  

They would initially select and cut a bundle of barley from the field, as a type of firstfruits selection.  

From this selected and tied barley bundle; on the evening of the Sabbath (as the Sabbath was coming to an end, which is the weekly Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread),  

"When the time for the cutting the sheaf had arrived, .... just as the sun went down, three Priests each with a sickle and basket formally set to work.  

The Priests made sure that this ceremony stood out,

they first asked the bystanders three times, each of these questions: `

 

·       Has the sun gone down?’

·       `With this sickle?' `

·       Into this basket?' '

·       On this Sabbath?’ –

·       and lastly, `Shall I reap?’ 

Having each time been answered in the affirmative, they cut down barley to the amount of ten omers.  Though ten omers, of barley, was cut down, only one omer of flour, .... was offered in the Temple." 

They would take this bundle and cut out or select out about three pints worth and bring it into the Temple.  

This cut out or selected out portion was called the sheaf.  

The priests did not wave a sheaf. The word "sheaf' is translated from the Hebrew word "omer", which means a measurement of about two quarts or two liters. 

There in the Temple the sheaf was prepared, ground into barley flour.  

This preparing was performed throughout the night.  

The fine barley flour was then presented to the Eternal at the Wave Sheaf offering ceremony early in the day.  

The sheaf was not burned on the alter, but only presented symbolically before God.  

They would through a handful on the altar, then they would leave the rest for the use of the priests.  Thereafter, all are pemitted, publicly or individually, to begin harvest. 

The preparing of the Sheaf took place during the night of the first day of the week, on the morrow after the Sabbath, and during the day it was waved before the Eternal.

The timing of this sacrifice was at 9 a.m.—the third hour of the day.

We have to remember, is the fact that the sheaf was part of the firstfruits; the sheaf was taken from among a portion of the firstfruits. The firstfruits is considered dedicated and holy unto God. The sheaf is therefore, the first of the firstfruits;

This feast is mark the start of the counting of the omer, thereby initiating the forthy nice day countdown to the harvest festival of Shavuot or Pentecost.  

 

Now, why should this affect us today. 

We find this same term used in the Bible-describing, our Lord and Creator, Jesus Christ.

The very day of the wave-sheaf ceremony pointed forward to Christ. History records that the sheaf was harvested on Saturday night, which began the first day of the week.

It was around this time that Jesus was resurrected back to life.  It was then waved before and accepted by God on the first day of the week (Sunday) during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  Three days and three nights later—near sundown on the afternoon of the weekly Sabbath (Saturday)—Jesus was resurrected. The next day—early in the morning on the first day of the week (Sunday)—He ascended to the throne of the Father in heaven 

Jesus had ascended to His Father. After Jesus ascension, He could be touched but before He could not be touched. Jesus was the very first to be raised from the dead in God's spiritual harvest of mankind. Jesus opened the way for all men to have the opportunity for eternal life.

(1 Cor 15:20-23 NIV)  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. {21} For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. {22} For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. {23} But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 

(Col 1:15 NIV)  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

(Acts 26:23 NIV)  that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

As the wave-sheaf offering represented Jesus Christ Sacrifice as First of the fristfruits, then later, those of us who are called and faithfully obey God in this life, are God's  firstfruits.  

In the book of Romans, Paul writes to Christians, saying 

(Rom 8:23 NIV)  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 

(James 1:18 NIV)  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Jesus Christ, the first of the firstfruits and firstborn from the dead.

As the wave-sheaf offering was the necessary forerunner of the Firstfruits offering, so was Jesus Christ the necessary forerunner of God's people, we are His spiritual firstfruits, Jesus is the First of the Firstfruits.

We who are followers of our Lord Jesus cannot have everlasting life without Christ’s sacrifice and dying for our sins and His resurrection as the First of the Firstfruits so we can be the Firstfruits into God’s Kingdom.  

Jesus Christ Himself had told His followers that He had to leave before the Holy Spirit could come to them 

(John 16:7 NIV)  But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 

(John 16:13 NIV)  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

The Holy Spirit was not poured out on individuals until after Jesus returned to the Father.

(Acts 1:1-9 NIV)  In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach {2} until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. {3} After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. {4} On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. {5} For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." {6} So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" {7} He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. {8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." {9} After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Jesus accented to the Father

The wave-sheaf offering ceremony foretold the precise day of the week Christ would return to the Father and be accepted by the Father more than 1,400 years before this day actually occurred.

After Jesus resurrection back to life, Jesus would not let His followers touch Him until after He had accented or returned to His Father.

(John 20:17 NIV)  Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned (ascended) to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

Only after Jesus had risen to the Father and returned to them again were they allowed to touch Him.

(Mat 28:7-10 NIV)  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." {8} So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. {9} Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. {10} Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 

The apostle John, referring to us as firstfruits. 

(Rev 14:4 NIV)  These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 

When properly appreciated, the wave-sheaf offering brings a great message of hope and salvation to God’s people. The wave-sheaf of grain is called the "firstfruits."

The wave-sheaf offering was offered to God by Israel's high priest on behalf of the people. The phrase, “accepted for you,” is most revealing. The wave-sheaf pictures Jesus Christ being offered to God the Father and accepted on our behalf.  

When God the Father formally accepted Jesus Christ, it became possible for us to become future sons and daughters of God – Children of God.

The wave-sheaf ceremony shows us the completion of the perfect plan of God and our salvation in it. We can now have hope and expectation that God the Father will accept us to glory, just as Jesus Christ was glorified during the Days of Unleavened Bread so many years ago.

The meaning of this ceremony is important, even though it is no longer performed, since the Old Testament priesthood is no longer needed during this age.

The Wave Sheaf Ceremony marked the official beginning of the physical ‘early’ harvest season, while Pentecost celebrates its completion. 

The Wave Sheaf Offering, which is composed of MANY individual grains, (or individuals) offered together, made possible by the sacrifice of Christ, represents those called of God during this age, as His "FIRSTFRUITS"! 

It was offered to the Father AFTER the sacrifice of Jesus, because there is NO WAY the Father could accept us BEFORE our sins were pardoned, and atoned for, and wiped away and washed away by the blood of Jesus!  But since Jesus became our Savior, and qualified by living a perfect life, and DIED for us on the stake and was resurrected, setting at the right of the Father and as our High Priest and King, this made possible OUR acceptance before the throne of God in Heaven!   

John wrote:

(Rev 19:5-8 NIV)  Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!" {6} Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. {7} Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. {8} Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)  That is you and me as we are the firstfruits. 

The Father accepting Jesus as the First of the Firstfruits.  That is what this celebration really means. 

 

Prophetic Scriptures of Jesus, our Lord and Creator – Part 1 March 15, 2014

Prophetic Scriptures of Jesus, our Lord and Creator – Part 1    March 15, 2014

 

With Passover just a few weeks away, we are to start thinking about this Passover Season and how the Passover is all about our Lord and Creator. 

We need every so often to go back and review, do we really believe in our deepest being that Jesus is the Messiah mention in the Old Testament prophecies.  We understand this in our mind, but do we understand this in our heart.  Right before the Passover season is a good time to go over this subject.  Paul tells us 

(1 Cor 11:28 NIV)  A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 

Examine:  1381. dokimazo, dok-im-ad'-zo; from G1384; to test (lit. or fig.); by impl. to approve:--allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try. 

This is one of those subjects we should examine.

We all know about taking a choice of 1 million dollars right now or 1 penny double each day for 30 days, we know which one we would take. 

Probability of Independent Events – statistics.  Each Scripture we look at is independent of the other ones about the Messiah. 

We have to be convince in our hearts that Jesus is the Messiah.  How do we do that, but looking at prophecy about Jesus in the Old Testament and then, did Jesus fulfil the Scriptures in the New Testament.  

How sure can we be, confidence that the Bible is what it says it is.  

(2 Pet 1:16 NIV)  We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  

(2 Pet 1:19-21 NIV)  And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. {20} Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. {21} For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.   

Peter giving us instruction and was confirming Jesus present in the Old Testament

prophecy, types and shadows.  Remember, the New Testament had not been written yet.  Peter talking about the prophets were the Old Testament prophets, looking ahead proclaiming the arrival of the Messiah. 

(Acts 10:43 NIV)  All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."  

Paul talks about proclaiming “mysteries” that have been “revealed”   

(Rom 16:26-27 NIV)  but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-- {27} to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. 

How many times are Old Testament Scriptures quoted or allude to about our Creator and Lord, Jesus in the NEW Testament.   

There are about 300 prophecies in the Old Testament detailing the Coming Messiah, that Jesus Christ fulfilled them. 

The Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek around 270 B.C. 

(Notice  - was translated 2 centuries before the Gospel period.) 

Old Testament Prophecies Quoted in the Gospels.  

Prophecy Scriptures about the Messiah.   Prophecies, Jesus fulfilled each one of these prophecy. 

Lets look at some of these Messiah prophecies.  

Born in Bethlehem – location of Jesus birth 

(Micah 5:2 NIV)  "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."  

(Mat 2:6 NIV)  "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" 

So much in this verse, will rule in Israel (has not done it yet - Millennium Time) 

Why in Bethlehem, we have to go to the Book of Ruth to understand, that is another study. 

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt.   

(Zec 9:9 NIV)  Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  

(Mat 21:5 NIV)  "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' 

(John 12:15 NIV)  "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."   

Riding this unbroken colt was a miracle in itself! 

The symbolism of riding a donkey refers to the Eastern tradition that it is an animal of peace, versus the horse, which is the animal of war. Therefore, a king came riding upon a horse when he was bent on war and rode upon a donkey when he wanted to point out that he was coming in peace. Therefore Jesus' entry to Jerusalem symbolized his entry as the Prince of Peace, not as a war waging king 

The Triumphal Entry 

The specific prediction of the precise day that the Messiah would present Himself as King to Jerusalem.  

(Dan 9:26 NIV)  After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.   

(Zec 9:9 NIV) **Repeat*** Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

(Luke 19:38 NIV)  "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"  Ran out of time.  Closed Services

Feast of Unleavened Bread – First Day April 15, 2014

April 15, 2014       Feast of Unleavened Bread – First Day                   

 

Every spring, we start to clean our entire home, making sure every nook and cranny is clean in our car or vehicle, and if we go out to eat, we say “No, thank you” to any complimentary bread at restaurants. While we are members of God’s Church, we understand the meaning behind these actions—removing spiritual leaven from their lives—there is much more to the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The Spring Holy Days depict the beginning of God’s plan for salvation. The season begins with the Passover which we celebrate last night. 

We are here to celebrate the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 

Why do we Celebrate it? 

(Rom 15:4 NIV)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Let’s go to the chapter that covers this subject.  

(Lev 23:1 NIV)  The LORD said to Moses, 

(Lev 23:2 NIV)  "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.

This is what we are doing here today. Celebrating an appointed feast, a sacred assembly. 

(Lev 23:3-4 NIV)  "'There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. {4} "'These are the Lord's appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times:

          Seasons just means appointed times

(Lev 23:5-6 NIV)  The Lord's Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. {6} On the fifteenth day of that month the Lord's Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. 

          You must eat bread made without yeast (leaven) or Unleavened Bread

It means we are to each Unleavened Bread every day 

(Lev 23:7 NIV)  On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. 

(Lev 23:8 NIV)  For seven days present an offering made to the LORD by fire. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.'"

 

What is an offering, but a sacrifice.

(Rom 12:1 NIV)  Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.    

a holy convocation,  just means “rehearsal” “assembly”

Ok, what is leaven:  yeast, baking powder, baking soda, whatever to cause something to rise or puff up.  Pride 

A leavening agent causes bread to rise or become puffed up.

 

Leaven is a symbol for a type of sin, which corrupts up by puffing up. 

As a side, The number seven (7 days) is the biblical number for completion or fullness.

Why did Israel observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

(Exo 13:6-7 NIV)  For seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to the LORD. {7} Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders.

(Exo 13:8 NIV)  On that day tell your son, 'I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' 

Egypt is used as a symbol of sin in the Scriptures. 

(Ezek 29:16 NIV)  Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.'" 

(Exo 13:9 NIV)  This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For the LORD brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand. 

Let’s look in the New Testament now. 

Did the parents of Jesus Christ observed the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread?

 

(Luke 2:41-42 NIV)  Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. {42} When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.

(Luke 2:43 NIV)  After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.

 

Notice Verse 43 states, “after the Feast was over,” which meant the Passover and the seven days of Unleavened Bread. 

As an adult, did Jesus observe the Days of Unleavened Bread?

(Mark 14:1 NIV)  Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him.

(Mark 14:2 NIV)  "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."

(Mark 14:12 NIV)  On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

Remember, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is only 7 days long, the Jewish Leadership counts Passover as a day and that makes it 8 days.  Verse 1 and 2 pertain to the planning of Christ’s enemies to arrest Him. They were well aware that He would be observing the Days of Unleavened Bread. Verse 12 show how Christ directed His disciples in arranging for the Passover meal.

Did the Apostles observe the Days of Unleavened Bread after Christ’s death and resurrection?

(Acts 12:2 NIV)  He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

(Acts 12:3 NIV)  When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

James, brother of John died around 44 AD, Jesus died around 30 to 33 AD

(Acts 20:6 NIV)  But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

This was after the year, 55 AD, what 20 plus years after the death and resurrection of Jesus and during third missionary journey of Paul.

As the writer of the book of Acts, Luke Verse 3 used this reference as an event that was observed by the Church. Likewise, this timeframe was used again at a far later date as Luke was later traveling with Paul in Asia Minor in verse 6.

Does the Bible contain any command to observe the Days of Unleavened Bread?  What instruction did Paul give Christians in regard to this festival?

(1 Cor 5:6 NIV)  Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?

(1 Cor 5:7 NIV)  Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

(1 Cor 5:8 NIV)  Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.

Written around Spring, 55 A.D.  Paul was expressing that as Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us, we should proceed to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Remember, Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles.  Paul commanded the Corinthian Christians—mostly gentiles—to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. His instructions show that Christians from non-Jewish communities and cultures observed the Days of Unleavened Bread. Setting an example for all Christians today, these Jews and non-Jews observed these days in accordance with God's laws.  These verses show that it is indeed a New Testament practice, to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

What is wrong with a person being “puffed up”?

(Col 2:18 NIV)  Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.

“Puffed up” is a condition of pride that comes from a sinful or defiant attitude. It is clear that a “puffed up” condition results from sin. Just as bread rises as the result of containing leaven, men are “puffed up” as a result of sin.

Comment: After condemning their puffed up condition, Paul warned that even a tiny amount of leaven can leaven a large amount of dough, just as even the smallest sin can corrupt one’s character. He then charged them to purge out the old leavening or put away the leavening, as done about the time Passover arrived (as true Christians practiced both then and now).

Paul was emphasizing the spiritual aspect of putting away the spiritual leaven of sin, pride and self-righteousness, in order to become unleavened, or pure from sin. This analogy would have been useless if the brethren had not been familiar with the putting out of leavening during this season on an annual basis.

The meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread defines what God expects of His people—we are to put out sin as a way of life!

Every spring, God wants us to go through the physical task of removing leaven from our homes. Yet He does not want us to focus on that physical task only, but also to be reminded of the greater spiritual meaning of these days.

There was, and is, nothing wrong with eating things containing yeast at other times in the year, but for the purpose of the Days of Unleavened Bread it was used as an symbol of sin. It was also sometimes used as a metaphor for sinful pride and hypocrisy:

(Mat 16:6 NIV)  "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

(Mat 16:11 NIV)  How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

(Mat 16:12 NIV)  Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Paul tolded the Corinthian brethren to keep the Feast. The old leavening, which was thrown out, represented malice and wickedness, while the unleavened condition represented sincerity and truth. The meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread pointedly defines what God expects of His people—we are to put out sin as a way of life!

For the rest of our lives, we must clean sin out of our character. We must replace it with God’s holy, righteous character.  We need to learn what Jesus taught, instructed, commanded and how he lived his life and follow His example in the Way of Life, in how we live our lives.

Passover Service Example April 13, 2014 7:55 p.m.

Passover Service    April 13, 2014  7:55 p.m.

 

Thank you for coming to celebrate our Lord and Creator Passover.  Let’s turn to: 

(John 6:31-58 NIV)  Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" {32} Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. {33} For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."  

{34} "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." {35} Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.  

drop down to verse 39 

{39} And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. {40} For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." {41} At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." {42} They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"  

{43} "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. {44} "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. {45} It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. {46} No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. {47} I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.  

{48} I am the bread of life. {49} Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. {50} But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. {51} I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." {52} Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"  

{53} Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. {54} Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  

{55} For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. {56} Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. {57} Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. {58} This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." 

(Foot Washing Service)  Let’s turn to 

(John 13:1-17 NIV)  It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. {2} The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.  

{3} Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; {4} so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. {5} After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.  

{6} He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" {7} Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." {8} "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." {9} "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" {10} Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." {11} For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.  

{12} When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. {13} "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.  (14)  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  

{15} I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. {16} I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. {17} Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 

This is one of the commands or example that Jesus told or showed us what to do, wash each other feet. 

At this time, we will break and follow Jesus command to wash each other feet. 

Instruction:  men to somewhere, women to the other place

Washpans and clean towels)  “Wash hands” 

Let’s turn to 

(1 Cor 11:23-26 NIV)  For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, {24} and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." {25} In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." {26} For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 

(Luke 22:15-20 NIV)  And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. {16} For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." {17} After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. {18} For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." {19} And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." {20} In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 

Here we are given another command by Jesus to take of the bread and wine during the Passover Service. 

The Bread 

(Mat 26:26 NIV)  While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." 

We become one Body by partaking of the bread of life. 

Remove the napkin from the bread and pray over it: 

Our Heavenly Father, we want to thank you for calling us during this age to be part of the Body of Christ and asking you to bless this bread as a symbol of Christ’s broken body, which our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ did for us.  

We know he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.   

He himself bore our sins, our infirmities and our diseases in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed.  We thank you for the opportunity to take of the bread and what it means.  (Through Jesus Christ name, amen) 

(Isa 53:5 NIV)  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (1 Pet 2:24 NIV)  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.(Mat 8:17 NIV)

Then break the bread into small bits. After being served, each person should quietly and solemnly eat the small piece of bread.

 

The Wine 

(Mat 26:27-29 NIV)  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. {28} This is my blood of the covenant (New Covenant), which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. {29} I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." 

Then, uncover and pray over the wine,  

Our Heavenly Father, we come again before your throne and bless this wine for this very sacred Passover Service that the wine is a symbol of Jesus’s blood, which he shed for the forgiveness of our sins. 

We know all sin we do is really is against you Father.  The new covenant which was in Jesus blood, was poured out for us, your body. We know in Jesus we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of your grace.  As we take of the wine, let us remember these things.  (Through Jesus Christ name, amen) 

 (1 John 1:7 NIV)  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

(Eph 1:7 NIV)  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

(Luke 22:20 NIV)  In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 

Each member should take a glass and quietly and reverently drink it. Replace the glasses on the tray or table, cover them and the unused bread again with the napkin.

 

Read aloud portions from John 13:31 on through the 17th chapter of John.  

Please turn to John 13:31  

(John 13:31-38 NIV)  When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. {32} If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. {33} "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. {34} "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. {35} By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." {36} Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." {37} Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." {38} Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

(John 14 NIV)  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. {2} In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. {4} You know the way to the place where I am going." {5} Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" {6} Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. {7} If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." {8} Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." {9} Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? {10} Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. {11} Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. {12} I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. {13} And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.

(John 14 NIV)  {14} You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. {15} "If you love me, you will obey what I command. {16} And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. {18} I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. {19} Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. {20} On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. {21} Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.

He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." {22} Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" {23} Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. {24} He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. {25} "All this I have spoken while still with you. {26} But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. {27} Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. {28} "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. {29} I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. {30} I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, {31} but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave. 

(John 15 NIV)  {8} This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. {9} "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. {10} If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. {11} I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. {12} My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. {13} Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. {14} You are my friends if you do what I command.

(John 15 NIV)  {15} I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. {16} You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. {17} This is my command: Love each other. {18} "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. {19} If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Please go to verse 23

{23} He who hates me hates my Father as well. {24} If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. {25} But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' {26} "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. {27} And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

(John 16 NIV)  {7} But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. {8} When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: {9} in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; {10} in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; {11} and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. {12} "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. {13} But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. {15} All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

Please go to verse 23

{23} In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. {24} Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. {25} "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. {26} In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. {27} No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. {28} I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

{29} Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. {30} Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." {31} "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. {32} "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. {33} "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

(John 17 NIV)  After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. {2} For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. {3} Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. {4} I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. {5} And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. {6} "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.

{7} Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. {8} For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. {9} I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. {10} All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. {11} I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one.

{12} While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. {13} "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. {14} I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. {15} My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

{16} They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. {17} Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. {18} As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. {19} For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. {20} "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, {21} that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. {22} I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: {23} I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  

{24} "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. {25} "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. {26} I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Please turn to Mat 26:30 

(Mat 26:30 NIV)  When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

sing a hymn,  

This song was taken from John 14, “Let there be Peace on Earth”