Passover in the Gospels

Jesus observes the Passover with His disciples on the evening before He himself is slain as the sacrificial passover lamb to take away the  sins of the world.

Each of the four gospels record Jesus observing the Passover with His disciples:

  • Matthew 26:26:2-29
  • Mark 14:12-26
  • Luke 22:1-38
  • John 13:1-14:31

In the gospel accounts Jesus uses the Passover meal to give instruction to disciples about the meaning of His death and the new relationship with God His sacrificial death makes possible for them and for all of humanity. In the process Jesus exercises His authority to change the Passover symbols to reflect this new development in God's plan of salvation for mankind.

The new symbols of Passover:

  • Foot Washing: humility and service toward others John 13:1-15
  • Bread: representing the body of Jesus which through its death pays for us the death penalty we have earned through our sins Luke 22:19
  • Blood: representing the blood of Jesus which performs two functions:
    • Jesus blood will cleanse us from our sin I John 1:7
    • Jesus blood will seal our covenant with God (the New Covenant) Luke 22:20

Observing the Passover Today

Jesus instructs His disciples to continue observing the Passover with these new symbols and new meaning as a way of remembering Him.

Luke 22:19-20 -- He [Jesus] 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". 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"

Observing the Passover in the Future

Jesus also tells his disciples that He will observe the Passover with them in the Kingdom of God [i.e. when He returns as the King of Kings]. 

 Luke 22:15-16 And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.  For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

Observance of the Passover each year is an excellent spiritual exercise to refocus your mind on what Jesus has done for you.

Plus, He wants to keep it with you after His return.