Today was the day of the Passover 2000 years ago, according to the Holy Bible. In 2018, the Passover fell on Saturday and every year is different. This year in 2019, it falls on Friday, why is that?
The Holy Bible does not go by the Gregorian Calendar that all Gentile Nation’s are influenced by, the Greek and Roman ways of tracking days, months and years.
It only goes by the Jewish Calendar, (in my personal opinion) is right. If one studies the Holy Bible according to the Jewish Calendar, everything adds up according to months, seasons, days and years of Biblical event’s.
So what’s the difference between the Gregorian Calendar vs. the Hebrew. The Hebrew Calendar only runs 360 days a year and no leap year. So because the Gregorian Calendar runs 365 days a year (which is an odd number of days) it throws every thing off.
And so the Passover Biblically starts on the evening of the 14th day of the Hebrew Month of Nisan according to Leviticus 23:5. And is kept until next morning of the 15th.
Therefore this day falls any time between March and April according to the Gregorian Calenedar, but always remains the same on the Jewish Calendar.
The Passover celebrates God’s deliverance of His people (the Jews) who were under bondage and slavery for 430 years in Egypt
Exodus 12:40-43 “Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.
It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:”
Thursday: (The Preparations of The Passover)
Matthew 26:17-19 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread (Pesach) the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we prepare for Thee to eat the Passover?
And He said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with My disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover.
According to the law before the Passover starts at twilight, during the coarse of the day, the house must first be cleansed from leaven and anything that would cause dough to rise in making unleavened bread, like yeast, oats, spelt, etc.
“And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.” (Deuteronomy 16:4)
So all day Jesus and His disciples were preparing the house they are about to have the Passover meal in, as the account of Matthew specifically said, “and they made ready (prepared) the Passover.”
So what is this preparation period all about. According to Exodus 12:15-20 gives detailed instructions from God, what the Jews must do in order to honor Him, celebrate the Passover and partake of the meal properly. And then at twilight they slaughtered the Passover Lamb and roasted it, Exodus 12:1-14.
This concludes the preparation of the Passover meal. And when evening fell, Jesus and His disciples gathered together
Thursday Night (The Last Passover Supper With Jesus Christ)
Luke 22:14 “And when the hour was come, He (Jesus) sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.”
According to the Jewish tradition of the Passover meal, they will first wash their hands, say a blessing unto Father God over the meal. They will then recite the Holy Scriptures & reflect on the hard and bitter bondage and slavery to the Passover (deliverance) out of Egypt. Reciting Exodus chapters 2:23 through chapter 14.
And while hearing the Holy Scriptures being read, they are eating the Passover Lamb and the bitter Herbs, Exodus 12:8 “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”
Luke 22:15-16 And He (Jesus) said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Luke 22:21-23 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed!
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto Him, Lord, is it I?
Matthew 26:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom He spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples (John), whom Jesus loved.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom He spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto Him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it.
John 13:22-26 The Son of Man goeth as it is written of Him: (Psalm 41:9) but woe unto that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Then Judas, which betrayed Him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. Matthew 26:24-26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
The breaking of unleavened bread is observed, even in the Passover feast in Deuteronomy 16:3.
John 13:26-30 And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Now no man at the table knew for what intent He spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. Matthew 26:28-29 Shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.
John 13:2-17 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself.
After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.
Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, Lord, dost Thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me. Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For He knew who should betray Him; therefore said He, Ye are not all clean.
So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I Am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than His Lord; neither He that is sent (refering to Himself) greater than He (God His Father) that sent Him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Luke 22:24-30 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I Am among you as He that serveth.
Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me; That ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
John 13:31-38 Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God be glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall straightway glorify Him. Little children, yet a little while I Am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you (John 8:21-58).
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards (after His resurrection). Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake.
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.
Luke 22:31-38 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And he said unto Him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death. And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.
And He said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said He unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me, And He was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning Me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And He said unto them, It is enough.
Jesus continues to minister to His disciples “I Am the Way, The Truth and The Life,” “if you love Me keep My commandments,” and about the Holy Spirit. Jesus also ministers the Father (Most High God) will love those who love’s Jesus Christ. (John 14).
He also continues to ministers on abiding in Him, love one another, and by being a friend of Jesus Christ, the world will hate Christians because of Jesus Christ and His Holiness way. He further reveals the work of the Holy Spirit (John 15).
Then Jesus Christ prays that God His Father will sanctify and unify His church (John 17).
Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
This conclude the Passover meal. The song Jesus and His disciples most likely sang tonight was the song from Exodus 15:1-18, commemorating the Red Sea Crossing, crossing over from death to life which finalized their deliverance from Egypt.
So how does the Passover relate to Christianity today? God has made a way of an escape from the bondage of sins, and because we have decided to followed the way of God through Jesus Christ, we have crossed over (the Red Sea/the blood of Jesus Christ) from spiritual death to eternal life. And Jesus Christ is that bridge, our Savior and Deliverer (Matthew 1:18-23).
The Garden of Gethsemane
Matthew 26:31-35 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended (Be made to stumble, to fall away) because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad (Zechariah 13:7). But after I Am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Peter answered and said unto Him, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron (Kidron), where was a garden (the Garden of Gethsemane), into the which He entered, and His disciples.
Matthew 26:36-44 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.
And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Have you ever wondered what He ever meant by that? He simply is telling us to pray, lest ye stray. Jesus prophesied tonight “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”
Prayer strengthens faith with reading the Holy Bible and going to church faithfully. And since they were not praying, they fell into temptation and scattered, as we will see when Jesus is betrayed by Judas and taken to the Sanhedrin.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done. And He came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And He left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, kneeled down, and prayed,
Luke 22:42-46 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Sweating blood is an actual physical condition called: Hematidrosis. A condition in which the capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to discharge blood. Occurring under conditions of extreme physical and or emotional stress or agony.
Another side note about this moment, they are in the Garden of Gethsemane which means in Hebrew “Olive Press” which is locates at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just a few hundred meters from the Temple.
In the Old Testament sacrificial law, explains a type of sacrifice using a “scapegoat” for an atonement for sins. Where the appointed priest by God, must lay his hands on the head of the scapegoat.
Believing as they pray, by faith, that the sins of the people will transfer over to the scapegoat and then be released into the wilderness to die. Symbolic to taking sins far away, where they are remembered no more (Leviticus 16:11-22). Thus a type and shadow pointing to Jesus Christ this night.
I believe the reason why Jesus Christ is in such deep, agony is because God His Father is laying His hands on His only begotten Son, our sacrifice, to transfer our sins unto Jesus Christ, who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might (the word “might” suggests by choice) become the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
So the weight of our sins are being literally placed on the shoulders of Jesus Christ this very moment in Scripture, in the place called “Olive Press.”
And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Matthew 26:45-46 Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me.
The Betrayal (Sold Out For A Few Shekels With A Kiss of Death)
Matthew 26:47-48 And while He yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast.
John 18:2-9 And Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with His disciples. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I Am He. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them.
As soon then as He had said unto them, I Am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked He them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I Am He: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest Me have I lost none.
Luke 22:47-48 And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?
John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?
Luke 22:51-53 Suffer ye thus far. And He touched his ear, and healed him. For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take Me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Matthew 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled. John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him,
Led Away Into Jerusalem
John 18:13-24 And led Him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: (Luke) that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without.
Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this Man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples, and of His doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou Me? Ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
And when He had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou Me? Now Annas had sent Him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
Matthew 26:57-58 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Luke 22:54-62 Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow one of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him (John 18:26)? also for he is a Galilaean.
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Jesus’ Trial With Trumped Up Charges
Matthew 26:59-68 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none.
At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I Am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto Him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against Thee?
But Jesus held His peace (Isaiah 53:7), And the high priest answered and said unto Him, I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of Power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard His blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him; and others smote Him with the palms of their hands (Isaiah 50:6 & 53:3), Saying, Prophesy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote Thee? Luke 22:65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against Him…
Next post in following the literal footsteps of Jesus Christ in His passion week according to the Holy Bible, be sure to check out: Friday (Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion)
Hope For A Hopeless Generation 