PASSOVER DRAWS NEAR

 

Monday, March 25, 2024

 

PASSOVER DRAWS NEAR

 

Luke 22:1-7

22 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed.

 

          The Passover commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. A nation was born in a day and Egypt was spoiled of all their goods. Every year Jewish males were required to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. It would have been an opportune time for a revolt.

 

          The Romans were always nervous during these feasts, especially Passover, as the comparison of Romans and Egyptians was so very clear. Both were harsh and enslaving. The Romans were always wary of some would-be Messiah bent on overthrowing Roman rule. It was also why King Herod and Pontius Pilate were in Jerusalem. They were there to help keep the peace.

 

          Jesus, during questioning, explained that his kingdom was “not of this world” (John 18:36). Pilate need not fear a violent revolt spawned by His followers. Those who needed to fear were the religious elite.

 

          One of the liturgical aspects of Passover was the removal of all leaven from Jewish homes. It was a reminder that Israel so hastily left Egypt that they had no time to apply yeast to their bread. Leaven had become a symbol of sin, and Jews carefully swept their cupboards clean. Jesus warned His followers to avoid the leaven of the Pharisees which was hypocrisy. Now their hypocrisy would perpetrate an indescribable evil during Israel’s most holy week.

 

          At this time Satan made his move by entering into Judas the thief but Satan miscalculated the result of his actions. Satan’s participation in the death of Jesus was actually his undoing for in dying Jesus conquered both death and Satan himself. In rising again Jesus sealed Satan’s doom.

 

Living – He loved me.

Dying – He saved me.

Buried – He carried my sins far away!

Rising – He justified, freely forever.

One day – He’s coming! Oh, glorious day!

 

Dear Lord, I am amazed that you so calmly prepared for your own sacrifice. You prepared yourself. You prepared your disciples. Every detail was known by you, and you did not shrink from any of the evil. Thank you, Lord, for your great sacrifice. AMEN