NEW COVENANT

PASSOVER CEREMONY

A Remembrance of the

Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ

 

 

 

 

 

by

Roger Kendall & Steven Greene

 

Website: https://sabbathreflections.org

 

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture

is from the King James Version.

Contents

PREFACE.. 5

CHAPTER 1 —PREPARATION.. 6

CHAPTER 2 —CORE MEANING.. 7

Passover 7

Footwashing. 9

Unleavened Bread. 9

Wine. 10

CHAPTER 3 —CEREMONY.. 11

Prologue. 11

Introduction. 11

Wash One Another’s Feet 13

Eating the Unleavened Bread. 15

Drinking the Wine. 17

Symbols of the Promise of Eternal Life. 17

The Words of Jesus. 19

Conclusion. 29

APPENDIX A —HYMNS. 31

APPENDIX B — FREQUENCY ASKED QUESTIONS. 34

APPENDIX C — PASSOVER SCRIPTURES. 40

APPENDIX D — DATES OF THE HOLYDAYS. 43

Dates for Passover, DUB, & Pentecost 43

Dates for Trumpets, Atonement, FOT. 44

APPENDIX E — UNLEAVENED BREAD RECIPES. 45

Matzah Recipe #1. 45

Matzah Recipe #2. 46

PASSOVER CEREMONY

“These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight ithe LORD’s Passover.”

—Leviticus 23:4-5.

PREFACE 

Passover is a very sobering time. We remember and proclaim the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for it is by His sacrifice that God is able to forgive our sins and establish a covenant with us. It is a solemn ceremony that begins with the love and humility of washing others’ feet, followed by the symbolic breaking and eating unleavened bread and then drinking a sip of wine. All of these have deep meaning but it is important to truly understand the meaning of His death as well as the footwashing, bread, and wine so that we can truly discern the Lord’s body. Preparation both physically and spiritually are a serious matter in order to partake of this annual ceremony in a worthy manner.

Notes on preparing for the Passover are mentioned in CHAPTER 1. The core meaning behind the Passover, footwashing, unleavened bread, and wine are presented in CHAPTER 2 and the service is detailed in CHAPTER 3. The appendices contain hymns, answers to FAQs, other Passover-related Scriptures, and dates for the holydays.

Grace and peace be to all from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!

 

CHAPTER 1—PREPARATION

First and foremost, PREPARE ahead of time. Materials necessary for the Passover ceremony, including the booklet and audio, should be acquired well beforehand. For those who prefer to receive a printed hardcopy of the booklet and an audio CD mailed to you, please send your request to sabbathreflections@gmail.com or submit it with the Sabbath Reflections contact form.

This Passover Ceremony is available in booklet form and/or the audio version. There are also sheet music lyrics and audio accompaniments for suggested hymns in APPENDIX A. The booklet, music, and audio can all be accessed or downloaded by going to https://sabbathreflections.org/new-covenant-passover-ceremony/.

For more information on the unleavened bread and wine that is appropriate for the ceremony, please refer to the answers provided in APPENDIX B. Unleavened bread can be difficult to find at times so shop early, purchase online, or make your own.

 

CHAPTER 2—CORE MEANING

All are encouraged to study and meditate upon the deep agape love of God the Father who gave His Son as the perfect Passover sacrificial Lamb. Passover is a remembrance of the willing Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of agape love that paid the ransom for our lives from eternal death. This requires significant time and effort to prepare to partake of the symbols of the Passover. The following is a guide to the basics of the core meaning behind the Passover and symbols.

Passover

·   The Passover establishes the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-13).

·   The Passover annuls and breaks the Old Covenant (Zec. 11:10-11).

·   The ceremony is a memorial of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (Exo. 12:27; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Luke 22:19).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that eternal life is the gift of God (John 4:10-14; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8).

·   The ceremony is required for eternal life (John 6:32-35, 47-58).

·   The ceremony proclaims the death of Jesus Christ until He returns (1 Cor. 11:26).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that the Passover is not fulfilled until the Kingdom of God is established (Luke 22:15-16).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that Jesus Christ is the true Passover sacrificial Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we must be circumcised in the heart (through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) to partake of the Passover ceremony (Exo. 12:43-44, 48; Col. 2:10-11; Rom. 2:29).

·   The ceremony requires faith (Heb. 11:28; Gal. 2:19-20; Heb 4:14; Rom. 4:24-5:2).

·   The ceremony is a reminder we can come into the Holy of Holies, to God’s throne of grace, for help in time of need (Eph. 2:13-14; Heb. 10:14, 19-20; Heb. 4:14-16; Heb. 6:19-20).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that God established peace with us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:20-22; Rom. 5:10-11; Eph. 2:13-15; Heb 13:20; Rom. 4:24-5:2).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we are reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Rom. 5:10-11; Col. 1:20-22).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we are justified by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:8-12; Rom. 4:24-5:2).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we are sanctified (made holy) by the body and blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:10; 13:12; Col. 1:20-22).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we are established in God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness (Heb 4:14-16; Heb. 8:10-12; Heb. 13:9-12; 1 Pet. 1:3, 2:10; 1 John 1:9, 2:12).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we died at baptism and now Jesus Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:19-20; Col. 2:10-13; 2 Cor. 5:15; 13:5).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we must examine ourselves prior to partaking of the Passover ceremony (1 Cor. 11:27-29; 13:5).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we all are sinners (Rom. 5:8-12; Rom. 3:9-10).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we must repent of our sins (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:36-38; 3:18-19; 5:30-31).

·   The ceremony is a reminder we overcome sin by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:14).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7; Col 1:14).

·   The ceremony is a reminder that we must forgive others (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).

Footwashing

·   Footwashing is commanded by Jesus Christ (John 13:14-16).

·   Footwashing is a reminder I am to be spiritually clean (holy) to partake of the bread and wine (John 13:10).

·   Footwashing is a reminder that I am personally washed in the blood of Jesus Christ (John 13:14).

·   Footwashing recognizes that everyone begotten by God is washed in the blood of Christ (John 13:10).

·   Footwashing demonstrates humility (John 13:14-16).

·   Footwashing is a reminder I am to be a bondservant to the children of God—symbolized by washing one another’s feet (John 13:14-16; 1 Tim. 5:10).

·   Footwashing recognizes that I am to love and serve all who are washed in the blood of Christ (John 13:12-17).

·   Footwashing is a reminder I am to love and serve even those brethren who are an adversary just as Christ washed the feet of Judas Iscariot (John 13:10-11).

Unleavened Bread

·   Food is necessary for life. Bread is food for physical life but Jesus Christ’s body is food for eternal life (John 6:32-35, 47-58).

·   Eating the bread is a demonstration of faith that our sins were placed in the body of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53:4-5).

·   Eating the bread is a demonstration of faith that our sins were borne by Jesus Christ to the grave (Isa. 53:4-5; Rom 6:1-23 8:3).

·   Eating the bread is a demonstration of faith that our sins are condemned in the flesh of Jesus Christ through His death (Rom. 8:3).

·   Eating the bread is a demonstration of faith that we have spiritual and physical healing through the sufferings of Jesus Christ (Isa. 53:4-5; 1 Pet. 2:24).

Wine

·   Drink is necessary for life. Wine is drink for physical life but Jesus Christ’s blood is drink for eternal life (John 6:32-35, 47-58).

·   Drinking the wine is a demonstration of faith that our sins are forgiven forever by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:14; Heb. 10:12; Col. 2:13; Heb. 9:26; 8:12).

·   Drinking the wine is a reminder that we are washed and cleansed by Jesus Christ’s blood (Rev. 1:5, 7:14).

·   Drinking the wine is a reminder that the new covenant was established by the blood of Jesus Christ Who is also the Mediator of that covenant (Heb. 12:24; 9:14-15).

·   Drinking the wine is a demonstration of faith that we are partakers of the New Covenant of God the Father (Heb. 8:6; Heb. 9:14-15; 12:24).

·   Drinking the wine is a reminder we are justified by His blood (Rom. 5:8-9).

·   Drinking the wine means we have peace with God through His blood (Col. 1:20).

·   Drinking the wine is a reminder we are redeemed, delivered, and protected from Satan through His blood (Col. 1:13).

 

CHAPTER 3—CEREMONY

This chapter contains all the elements of the Passover ceremony, which should begin 30-45 minutes after sunset. Those who are reading the text and scriptures should read them out loud and pause at the places indicated to follow the instructions in the boxes.

Prologue

We are gathered here this evening to keep the New Covenant Passover to the LORD. Passover is a very sobering occasion when we remember and proclaim the suffering, crucifixion, and death of our Savior Jesus Christ.  God the Father so loved us and the whole world that He gave His only begotten son as the true sacrificial Lamb to cover our sins and make possible the gift of eternal life. It is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that God the Father is able to forgive us of our sins and establish us in the New Covenant.

Passover is a time to remember the great agape love of both God the Father and Jesus Christ that they have for us. It is a ceremony filled with deep meaning that begins with the love and humility of washing one another’s feet followed by the symbolic breaking and eating of unleavened bread and drinking of the wine.

Let us all be truly thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life for all those who are washed in the blood of our Savior.

Introduction

Ben har Arbayim: ~30-45 Minutes After Sunset

LEVITICUS 23

23:4 ‘These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.

23:5 ‘On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD’s Passover.

Preparation for Jesus’ Last Passover

LUKE 22

22:7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.

22:8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

22:9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”

22:10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters.

22:11 “Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ‘

22:12 “Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.”

22:13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

22:14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.

22:15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;

22:16 “for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

Passover Proclaims the Death of the Lord

1 CORINTHIANS 11

11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

11:27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

11:29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

11:30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.

11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

11:33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

Wash One Another’s Feet

JOHN 13

13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,

13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God,

13:4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.

13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

13:6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”

13:7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

13:8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

13:9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

13:10 Jesus said to him, “He who is washed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”

13:11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”

13:12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?

13:13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.

13:14 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

13:15 “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

13:16 “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.

13:17 “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

13:18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’

13:19 “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.

13:20 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

Eating the Unleavened Bread

MATTHEW 26

26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

LUKE 22

22:19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

1 CORINTHIANS 11

11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;

11:24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

The Beating & Scourging

ISAIAH 53

 

53:3 He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.

53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken.

53:9 And they made His grave with the wicked– and with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

53:11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.

53:12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Drinking the Wine

MATTHEW 26

26:27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

26:28 “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

LUKE 22

22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

1 CORINTHIANS 11

11:25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Symbols of the Promise of Eternal Life

JOHN 6

6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

6:36 “But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe.

6:37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

6:38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

6:39 “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

6:40 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

6:41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.”

6:42 And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves.

6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

6:45 “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

6:46 “Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father.

6:47 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.

6:48 “I am the bread of life.

6:49 “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

6:50 “This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die.

6:51 “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

6:52 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”

6:53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.

6:54 “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

6:55 “For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.

6:56 “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

6:57 “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.

The Words of Jesus

JOHN 13

God the Father & Jesus Christ Glorified

13:31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.

13:32 “If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately.

13:33 “Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.

A New Commandment—Love One Another

13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

13:36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”

JOHN 14

Christ Goes to Prepare a Place for Us

14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

14:4 “And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

14:5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

14:7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

14:8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

14:9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

14:10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.

14:11 “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

14:13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14:14 “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Christ Will Send the Comforter

14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

14:16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that it may abide with you forever–

14:17 “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees it nor knows it; but you know it, for it dwells with you and will be in you.

14:18 “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

14:19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

God & Jesus Abide in Us & We in Christ

14:20 “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

14:22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

14:24 “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

14:25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.

Promise of the Peace of Jesus Christ

14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

14:28 “You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

14:29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.

14:30 “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

14:31 “But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

JOHN 15

Christ is the True Vine & We Are the Branches

15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

15:2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

15:3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

15:6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

15:8 “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

15:9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

A New Commandment—Love One Another

15:10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Christ Calls Us His Friend

15:14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

15:15 “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

15:17 “These things I command you, that you love one another.

The World Will Hate Us

15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.

15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

15:21 “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

15:22 “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

15:23 “He who hates Me hates My Father also.

15:24 “If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.

15:25 “But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, it will testify of Me.

15:27 “And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

JOHN 16

Martyrdom of the Saints

16:1 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.

16:2 “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.

16:3 “And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.

16:4 “But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

16:5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’

16:6 “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

Sin, Righteousness, & Judgment

16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send it to you.

16:8 “And when it has come, it will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

16:9 “of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

16:10 “of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

16:11 “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

16:12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

16:13 “However, when it, the Spirit of truth, has come, it will guide you into all truth; for it will not speak on its own authority, but whatever it hears it will speak; and it will tell you things to come.

16:14 “It will glorify Me, for it will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

16:15 “All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that it will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Jesus Announces His Return to God the Father

16:16 “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.”

16:17 Then some of His disciples said among themselves, “What is this that He says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?”

16:18 They said therefore, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is saying.”

16:19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’?

16:20 “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

16:21 “A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

16:22 “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

16:23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

16:24 “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

16:25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.

16:26 “In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you;

16:27 “for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.

16:28 “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”

16:29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!

16:30 “Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”

16:31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?

The Tribulation to Come

16:32 “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

JOHN 17

Jesus Prays for the Saints

17:1 Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your own Son, so that Your Son may also glorify You;

17:2 Since You have given Him authority over all flesh, in order that He may give eternal life to all whom You have given Him.

17:3 For this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You did send.

17:4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work that You gave Me to do.

17:5 And now, Father, glorify Me with Your own self, with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.

17:6 I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You have given them to Me, and they have kept Your Word.

17:7 Now they have known that all things that You have given Me are from You.

17:8 For I have given them the words that You gave to Me; and they have received them and truly have known that I came from You; and they have believed that You did send Me.

17:9 I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world, but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.

17:10 All Mine are Yours, and all Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them.

Oneness of God the Father, Jesus Christ, & the Saints

17:11 And I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, those whom You have given Me, so that they may be one, even as We are one.

17:12 When I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. I protected those whom You have given Me, and not one of them has perished except the son of perdition, in order that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.

17:13 But now I am coming to You; and these things I am speaking while yet in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in them.

17:14 I have given them Your words, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17:15 I do not pray that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from the evil one.

17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17:17 Sanctify them in Your truth; Your Word is the truth.

17:18 Even as You did send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, so that they also may be sanctified in Your truth.

17:20 I do not pray for these only, but also for those who shall believe in Me through their word;

17:21 That they all may be one, even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, in order that the world may believe that You did send Me.

17:22 And I have given them the glory that You gave to Me, in order that they may be one, in the same way that We are one:

17:23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be perfected into one; and that the world may know that You did send Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

17:24 Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me may also be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory, which You have given Me; because You did love Me before the foundation of the world.

17:25 Righteous Father, the world has not known You; but I have known You, and these have known that You did send Me.

17:26 And I have made known Your name to them, and will make it known; so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Conclusion

MARK 14

14:25 “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

14:26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

AMEN

 

APPENDIX A—HYMNS

 

 

 

APPENDIX B—
FREQUENCY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT WILL I NEED TO KEEP THE PASSOVER AT HOME?

First and foremost, PREPARE ahead of time. You will need the following items, and you should make certain that they are on-hand well before Passover.

·   Download or print the Passover Ceremony, which is available in booklet form and/or the audio version.

·   There are also sheet music lyrics and audio accompaniments for suggested hymns in APPENDIX A.

·   The booklet, music, and audio can all be accessed or downloaded by going to https://sabbathreflections.org/new-covenant-passover-ceremony/.

·   Basin and towel for footwashing.

·   Unleavened bread.

·   Red wine.

·   Plate and glass(es).

HOW DO I PREPARE THE ROOM?

The room should be de-leavened, clean, and free of clutter. It should also be able to be closed off from anyone who is not participating in the Passover. The room should be ready at least an hour before sundown to avoid having to do it at the last minute. Do not set up more than a few hours beforehand to prevent the room from being disturbed.

Plan for sufficient seating, facial tissues, and hand sanitizer (particularly for use after the footwashing).

WHAT KIND OF WATER SHOULD I USE FOR THE FOOTWASHING?

Tap water is sufficient. A separate basin should be used for each person and the water should be warm to the touch for the comfort of all involved.

WHAT KIND OF BREAD SHOULD I USE?

Only use unleavened bread. The easiest solution is to purchase unflavored Matzos. The other option is to make your own, but make certain it is hard and dry like a cracker. The unleavened bread should not be stale or soggy, so ensure that it is stored properly until the Passover. Do NOT break it beforehand. After asking God’s blessing on it during the ceremony, the bread MUST be broken prior to eating it. This represents the broken body of Jesus Christ. Serve each person a small piece, about the size of a quarter.

IS SALT REQUIRED FOR THE UNLEAVENED BREAD?

No. The unleavened bread can be with or without salt. While salt is required for Old Testament offerings, the Passover unleavened bread is not an offering but a symbol of Jesus Christ’s body.

WHAT KIND OF WINE SHOULD I USE?

Only use red wine. Do not use white wine, rosé, flavored wine, sparkling wine, or grape juice. Appropriate wines include Burgundy, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel (red only), Malbec, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo. Many, if not most, acceptable wines are “blended,” which simply means they use more than one type of red grape; however, make certain the wine is not fortified (such as with brandy to make Port, Sherry, Madeira, Marsala, etc.) and do not have added flavorings. The type of cork or cap does not matter. Store the wine at room temperature until the Passover.

A new, unopened bottle of wine is recommended. One that has been previously opened is acceptable if the bottle has never come in contact with someone’s lips and the wine is not spoiled.

One final point to consider. All vineyards use clarifiers (fining agents) to remove the undissolved particulate that can make wine look cloudy. The clarifiers bind with the particulate in the wine, which then falls to the bottom. All clarifiers are considered to be processing aids because they are filtered out with the particulate during processing and supposedly do not remain in the wine. As a result, vineyards are not required to list clarifiers as part of the ingredients. Many clarifiers are harmless and clean such as those made from egg whites (albumen), milk protein (casein), carbon, bentonite clay, limestone, clay, or plant protein (casein). Others are made from the blood, bones, cartilage, or skin of various animals including pig, crustacean shells (chitin), or unspecified fish oil. Only wines that are certified as vegan will guarantee that the clarifiers did not contain chitin or animal products.

WHAT KIND OF PLATE AND CUP SHOULD I USE?

Use a clean plate large enough to hold the bread and another can be used for the glasses for each person with which to serve the wine. Ceramic cups are acceptable, but plastic cups should be avoided. One to two teaspoonfuls for each person is appropriate.

The plate and glasses should be placed on a clean and uncluttered surface. Never place them on the floor. Have everything ready about an hour before sundown and put any pets out of the room to avoid contamination of the bread or wine.

It is best to use separate glasses. While it is not wrong to use a common glass, it is discouraged for sanitary reasons and because too much wine might be consumed as it is passed around so that there may not be enough for the last participants.

DO I NEED TO COVER THE WINE AND BREAD?

No, covering the wine and bread is not required. However, if you wish to cover them with a cloth, make certain to use a clean, white cotton or linen cloth. When lifting the cloth, be careful not to break or drop the bread or spill the wine.

WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN THE PASSOVER CEREMONY?

The Passover ceremony should begin about 30-45 minutes after sunset. If others will be participating with you, they should arrive 10 to 20 minutes before sunset and quietly pray or read the Bible until the ceremony begins. Wait until all have arrived to begin.

The dates for the holydays can be found in APPENDIX D and sunset times can be calculated here:

https://www.timeanddate.com/sun

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PASSOVER SERVICE?

Only baptized members of the Body of Christ can participate in the Passover service.

CAN THOSE WHO ARE NOT BAPTIZED OBSERVE THE PASSOVER SERVICE?

Yes, anyone who is not baptized, including children, may observe if they remain silent and respectful throughout the entire ceremony. This is a solemn occasion for baptized members that is a time to remember the death of our Savior. Therefore, it is not appropriate for anyone who is not baptized to participate in the actual service.

CAN I KEEP THE PASSOVER IF I AM ALONE?

Yes. However, you will not be able to perform the footwashing, although you should read the appropriate passages and understand them. Footwashing is symbolic of our being washed in the blood of Christ and our service and humility to each other, so there is no purpose in washing your own feet. Instead, offer a prayer of blessing upon all those who are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ

CAN A MAN AND WOMAN WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET?

Certain situations may require a man and woman who are not married to each other to wash each other’s feet. It is certainly acceptable for a husband and wife but it should otherwise be avoided if possible—even if it means that a man or woman performs the footwashing ceremony more than once. If it cannot be avoided, the woman should consider wearing slacks that can be pulled above the ankle during the footwashing.

CAN A WOMAN HOST THE PASSOVER FOR OTHERS?

Yes, but, if possible, a spiritually mature, baptized man should be asked to read the ceremony (if you are not using the audio or video), ask God’s blessings on the bread and wine, and distribute the bread and wine. The ceremony should be done properly and in order. No one should add to or take away from the ceremony with additional comments or by sermonizing.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE PASSOVER CEREMONY?

Sabbath attire is appropriate. Women, especially, should avoid extra clothing that would make the footwashing ceremony difficult, such as thigh-length or waist-high hosiery. Men should wear socks with their shoes as they normally would. While a suit and tie are not required, if wearing a traditional suit the jacket can be removed prior to the footwashing to make it easier.

WHAT IF I HAVE AN INJURED FOOT OR CANNOT KNEEL DOWN?

If you have an injured or diseased foot, have someone wash only the uninjured foot. If both feet are affected, then you should not have your feet washed; however, you should wash the feet of the other person. Those with severe foot odor should wash their feet before the Passover ceremony as a courtesy to others.

Those who cannot kneel may have to skip washing someone else’s feet, but still have someone wash their own feet.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE REMAINING BREAD?

The leftover bread that was blessed must be disposed of properly. The preferred method is to crush it up and bury in or scatter it upon the ground, which is symbolic of Jesus Christ’s burial. It can also be burned (symbolic of a burnt offering), such as on an outdoor grill. This requires significant time because the bread must be completely and thoroughly burned to ashes. Dispose of the remaining ashes by scattering them on the ground or putting them down the drain. The remainder should never be placed in the trash or flushed down the toilet.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE REMAINING WINE?

Any wine that is left in the glasses should be poured out onto the ground or down the drain. This is because it was included in the blessing of the wine during the ceremony and it is symbolic of Jesus Christ’s blood being spilled on the ground. Leftover wine in the bottle does not have to be poured out as long as it was not in the room when God’s blessing was asked.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE CEREMONY?

Upon completion of the ceremony, participants should quietly return to their homes or rooms and use the remaining time before bed for prayer, Bible reading, and meditation on the meaning of the Passover. The host should properly dispose of any remaining wine and bread that was blessed during the ceremony and then rinse clean the plate and glasses before retiring for the night.

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD I KEEP THE SECOND PASSOVER?

If you are unable to keep the Passover on Nisan 14 because of sickness, injury, traveling, etc., God allows for a second Passover to be kept exactly 30 days later (Num. 9:9-12). Bear in mind that you must make every effort to keep the first Passover. Plan ahead so you are prepared; minor inconveniences or distractions are not valid excuses.

 

APPENDIX C—
PASSOVER SCRIPTURES

The following are the OT and NT Scriptures that cover most things pertaining to the Passover.

·    GENESIS:

·    EXODUS:

·    LEVITICUS 23:5—OT Passover.

·    NUMBERS 9:1-14, 28:16, 33:3—OT Passover.

·    DEUTERONOMY 16:1-7—OT Passover.

·    PSALMS:

·    ISAIAH:

·    ZECHARIAH:

·    MATTHEW 26-28—NT Passover.

·    MARK 14-16—NT Passover.

·    LUKE 22-24—NT Passover.

·    JOHN 6:31-35—Jesus Christ is the bread of life.

·    JOHN 6:47-58:

·    JOHN 13-17—Words of Jesus Christ.

·    JOHN 18-21—NT Passover.

·    1 CORINTHIANS 11:20-34—Discerning the Lord’s body.

·    HEBREWS 5-7:

·    HEBREWS 8—Old Covenant replaced by the New Covenant.

·    HEBREWS 9-10:1-21—The sacrifice of Jesus Christ replaced animal sacrifices.

·    1 PETER 2:19-24—Proving our obedience to God by suffering unjustly as Christ gave us the example.

·    EXAMPLES OF JESUS CHRIST:

 

APPENDIX D—
DATES OF THE HOLYDAYS

The dates are from the Calculated Hebrew Calendar, also called the Hillel Calendar. All days are from sundown of the previous evening to sundown day shown in the tables.

Dates for Passover, DUB, & Pentecost

YEAR	PASSOVER	DUB #1	DUB #7	PENTECOST
2023	Wed, Apr 5	Thu, Apr 6	Wed, Apr 12	Sun, May 28
2024	Mon, Apr 22	Tue, Apr 23	Mon, Apr 29	Sun, Jun 16
2025	Sat, Apr 12	Sun, Apr 13	Sat, Apr 19	Sun, Jun 1
2026	Wed, Apr 1	Thu, Apr 2	Wed, Apr 8	Sun, May 24
2027	Wed, Apr 21	Thu, Apr 22	Wed, Apr 28	Sun, Jun 13
2028	Mon, Apr 10	Tue, Apr 11	Mon, Apr 17	Sun, Jun 4
2029	Fri, Mar 30	Sat, Mar 31	Fri, Apr 6	Sun, May 20
2030	Wed, Apr 17	Thu, Apr 18	Wed, Apr 24	Sun, Jun 9
2031	Mon, Apr 7	Tue, Apr 8	Mon, Apr 14	Sun, Jun 1
2032	Fri, Mar 26	Sat, Mar 27	Fri, Apr 2	Sun, May 16
2033	Wed, Apr 13	Thu, Apr 14	Wed, Apr 20	Sun, Jun 5
2034	Mon, Apr 3	Tue, Apr 4	Mon, Apr 10	Sun, May 28
2035	Mon, Apr 23	Tue, Apr 24	Mon, Apr 30	Sun, Jun 17
2036	Fri, Apr 11	Sat, Apr 12	Fri, Apr 18	Sun, Jun 1
2037	Mon, Mar 30	Tue, Mar 31	Mon, Apr 6	Sun, May 24
2038	Mon, Apr 19	Tue, Apr 20	Mon, Apr 26	Sun, Jun 13
2039	Fri, Apr 8	Sat, Apr 9	Fri, Apr 15	Sun, May 29
2040	Wed, Mar 28	Thu, Mar 29	Wed, Apr 4	Sun, May 20

 

Dates for Trumpets, Atonement, FOT

YEAR	TRUMPETS	ATONEMENT	FOT #1	FOT #8
2023	Sat, Sep 16	Mon, Sep 25	Sat, Sep 30	Sat, Oct 7
2024	Thu, Oct 3	Sat, Oct 12	Thu, Oct 17	Thu, Oct 24
2025	Tue, Sep 23	Thu, Oct 2	Tue, Oct 7	Tue, Oct 14
2026	Sat, Sep 12	Mon, Sep 21	Sat, Sep 26	Sat, Oct 3
2027	Sat, Oct 2	Mon, Oct 11	Sat, Oct 16	Sat, Oct 23
2028	Thu, Sep 21	Sat, Sep 30	Thu, Oct 5	Thu, Oct 12
2029	Mon, Sep 10	Wed, Sep 19	Mon, Sep 24	Mon, Oct 1
2030	Sat, Sep 28	Mon, Oct 7	Sat, Oct 12	Sat, Oct 19
2031	Thu, Sep 18	Sat, Sep 27	Thu, Oct 2	Thu, Oct 9
2032	Mon, Sep 6	Wed, Sep 15	Mon, Sep 20	Mon, Sep 27
2033	Sat, Sep 24	Mon, Oct 3	Sat, Oct 8	Sat, Oct 15
2034	Thu, Sep 14	Sat, Sep 23	Thu, Sep 28	Thu, Oct 5
2035	Thu, Oct 4	Sat, Oct 13	Thu, Oct 18	Thu, Oct 25
2036	Mon, Sep 22	Wed, Oct 1	Mon, Oct 6	Mon, Oct 13
2037	Thu, Sep 10	Sat, Sep 19	Thu, Sep 24	Thu, Oct 1
2038	Thu, Sep 30	Sat, Oct 9	Thu, Oct 14	Thu, Oct 21
2039	Mon, Sep 19	Wed, Sep 28	Mon, Oct 3	Mon, Oct 10
2040	Sat, Sep 8	Mon, Sep 17	Sat, Sep 22	Sat, Sep 29

 

APPENDIX E—
UNLEAVENED BREAD RECIPES

Two possible recipes for Passover unleavened bread (matzah) are below. There are other recipes that include additional ingredients but some of these should be avoided. Oil is certainly an acceptable way to make the matzah but avoid most everything else. Remember, the ancient Israelites left in a hurry and did not have time to prepare their bread. Salt is optional because matzah is a symbol of Jesus Christ’s tortured and beaten body, so He was the offering. Matzah itself is not the offering.

Matzah Recipe #1

INGREDIENTS

·   2 cups + 2 Tbsp flour.

·   1 cup of cold water.

·   1/2 tsp salt (optional).

 INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Combine the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in the water until the dough is even mixed. Knead for 5 minutes.

2.     Pre-heat a skillet over medium-low heat.

3.     Pinch off 7 pieces of dough and form into balls. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface (approximately 6-7 inch circles).

4.     Use a fork to prick holes all over in the flattened dough.

5.     Cook for a couple of minutes each side or until starting to brown.

 

Matzah Recipe #2

INGREDIENTS

·   3/4 cup white flour.

·   1/4 cup water.

·   Extra flour for dusting the rollout area.

INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Place a flat pan/baking sheet inside the oven and preheat to 475F (250C).

2.     Mix the flour and water in a bowl.

3.     Using approximately 2 Tbsp of the mixture, form a ball, and roll out flat on a floured surface.

4.     Place the flattened dough on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.

5.     Use a fork to prick holes all over in the flattened dough.

6.     Cook for a couple of minutes each side or until starting to brown.