Passover. A celebration of the hand of God bringing the Hebrews out of bondage into freedom. Typically considered only a Jewish holiday and tradition, in Ex 12:14, all the generations to come are commanded to celebrate the Passover as a festival to the Lord. But somewhere along the line we've gotten our wires crossed and confused the Passover with something that has nothing to do at all with Christ - Easter.
The traditional Passover lasts 8 days, and a Seder is held the first two and the last two days, with no work allowed. The middle four days are conducted as a festival with work permitted. Additionally, all four Seder days are considered Sabbaths, that's why no work is permitted. During the Seder, questions are asked by children and the story of the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt is recounted. The Jews recount their salvation and pass the story on to future generations.
In Matt 26:17-35, Jesus celebrates His last Passover with His disciples. The Scriptures indicate that Jesus was going to celebrate the first day of Passover. This year, Passover began at sundown on March 29. If Jesus was arrested the first nite of Passover, the date would have been Saturday, April 4. Sort of messes with our Sunday event just a little.
It is interesting to note that no where in the New Testament are we commanded to celebrate Easter. If the original Greek is correctly translated, in 1 Corinthians Christ is called our "Passover Lamb", not our Easter ham. If God had intended us to celebrate the Resurrection, it would be plainly stated in the Scriptures, with dates given. In Acts 12, the 1st Century Christians are still celebrating the Passover. Every year the Passover date changes, therefore our celebration of the Resurrection should also change but be celebrated during the Passover and not with the spring goddess of fertility. Rabbits and eggs have no place with our deliverance from sin and death by the blood of the Lamb and the Resurrection.
Man has taken the Scriptures and conformed them to the world for the convenience of man. This is not God's way. God's way is to conform the world to the Scriptures. To be reconciled to God, not to the world. We need to reevaluate whom we serve and what commands we are obedient to. We need to read our Scriptures in the Spirit and in Truth, and then we need to adhere to them. As Jesus said: "The traditions of man are nulifying the Word of God."
Lord Jesus, lead me in the path of righteousness for Your namesake. Teach me the truth and enable me to walk in it. Help me, Lord, for I am weak. Strengthen me with your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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