Christian Passover

This Holy Week, we the scriptures with Jesus through his last days on earth.
It began with a special Palm Sunday service. Among other things, the children finished their resurrection eggs that they'd been working on this month.
Monday, our recommended reading was the account of Jesus clearing the temple.
Tuesday, we journeyed to the Mount of Olives.
Wednesday, due to the scriptures being silent as to Jesus' activities, we were challenged to spend some time in quiet reflection. Jesus probably spent the day resting or with his close friends and family. What would you do if you knew your time on earth was short? What things that seem so big now, would suddenly seem small and insignificant in the light of eternity? See, here we are all human, and we all think a little too highly of our opinions, ideas and beliefs. I look forward to a day, around God's throne, where we hug and laugh about the silly things that divided us here.
As the week went on, the excitement built.
Thursday found us celebrating the Christian Passover.
The blue tablecloth reminds us of the sea that parted.
The shells stand for the dry land that the children of Israel walked upon.
The purple was for royalty.
The flowers for spring and new life.
The wash pot was for symbolic washing.
The bricks in remembrance of our forefathers who made them under Egyptian slavery.

The first duty was for the children. Leavened bread was hiding throughout the building and they had to find it and throw it away. This symbolized our sin and how it must all be renounced.
Next the candles were lit by the youngest girl present. The youngest girl, because Jesus came to a young innocent maiden. The candles because He brought light to this dark world and we are to do the same.

All throughout the meal, there were special hymns and scripture readings.The four drinks stand for God's "I Will" promises: Freedom, deliverance, redemption and praise.The lamb symbolizes the Lamb of God and His great sacrifice.The egg speaks of God's unending love.The horseradish reminds of what bitter bondage sin is.The parsley dipped in salt water tells of new life and blessings, mixed with tears.The lefse took the place of unleavened bread, and since it was yummy, it reminds us that a sin free life is indeed a good thing!The charoset is a sweet mixture of apples, honey and nuts. It symbolizes the straw and clay the Israelites used to make bricks. The honey reminds us that although life can be bitter, God is always there to make it sweet.Our main course was then served and was a Chicken and Matzo Ball Soup.Dessert was Chocolate Sponge Cake made without any yeast, flour or rising agents. 
Friday, our scripture reading assignment took us through Jesus' final seven sayings. 

1. Luke 23:34: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

1. Luke 23:43: Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.

1. John 19:26–27: Woman, behold your son. Son Behold your mother.

1. Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

1. John 19:28: I thirst.

1. John 19:30: It is finished. (From the Greek "Tetelestai" which is also translated "It is accomplished.")

1. Luke 23:46: Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

Saturday, we gathered for a morning prayer breakfast and remembered while Jesus was in the tomb, that  He was there because of our sins.
Easter Sunday, coming up in the next blog post.