After cleansing the temple of false gods and idols and reading the re-discovered word of God, the Book of the Covenant, to his people, King Josiah then re-instituted the feast of Passover.
21 Then the king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” 2 Kings 23:21 (NKJV)
16 So all the service of the Lord was prepared the same day, to keep the Passover and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord, according to the command of King Josiah. 2 Chronicles 35:16 (NKJV)
The Passover feast includes a meal of remembrance for all the blessings God gave His people when He delivered them out of slavery in Egypt, freeing them then directing them towards a Promised Land of their own.
Heavenly mysteries and symbols abound in the spiritual significance of the Passover meal. God used this event to point to the future and His provision for the forgiveness of sins throughout the entire world, a scale that goes far beyond that of the original celebrants.
In the original Passover, an innocent lamb was sacrificed so that an Israelite family would be able to escape the curse of death and experience complete freedom from the bondage of Pharaoh and his nation. The lamb’s blood was spread upon the top and sides of the doorposts, foreshadowing the shape of a cross, and providing a spiritual covering for the house so that the angel of death would pass over and spare the life of the first-born son. God had instructed that this meal of remembrance be celebrated each year, but Judah had failed to keep this, along with many other unfaithful actions and attitudes, letting its celebration lapse until King Josiah was convicted for his nation and re-established it.
The Passover feast points to the time when the Father’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ, would lay down His own life as the innocent and sinless Lamb of God. Because of His loving act, all believers may now experience eternal life in Him, receiving complete forgiveness as well as the gift of freedom from the bondage of sin, addiction, and destructive habits in our lives today.
At the cross of Calvary, Jesus took the punishment of death that we deserve because of our sin and rebellion. It must have torn the Father’s heart to do so, just as any of us would gladly trade places with our own suffering children. Yet, God’s love for us is so great that both Father and the Son were willing to go forward with this saving plan. For heavenly reasons we may not fully appreciate or understand, this sacrifice was necessary to allow us to live in God’s holy presence throughout eternity. The plan was victorious – Jesus lived a sinless life which qualified Him to present Himself as a spotless offering on the cross, and was raised to life from the dead on the third day.
Jesus was well aware of the true significance and symbolism in the Passover meal, and His own role in its deep spiritual meaning. When His time to go to the cross had come, He celebrated His final Passover with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. At this meal of remembrance, Jesus expanded it to institute the celebration of Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, to always remember what He would go through for us.
18 And He (Jesus) said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” Matthew 26:18 (NKJV)
The apostle Paul later summarized the instructions for the Lord’s supper.
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NKJV)
By remembering the Lord’s sacrifice as we eat this meal of remembrance, we fellowship with the Spirit of Jesus and with our fellow worshipers as we proclaim His suffering and His profound love for us. We also celebrate His resurrection from the dead and our own future resurrection and eternal life with Him.
It is a very personal moment for believers as they partake of the Lord’s Supper. These moments are private and intimate, and sometimes what transpires there is kept secret between that person and God. Other times, people are willing to share of their spiritual experiences at the Lord’s table. In all cases, these are solemn and holy times spent with the Lord Jesus as we consider His works and love and thank Him for His sacrifice for us on the cross.
Some reactions I have heard from people or have experienced myself after taking this meal of remembrance are:
It strengthens me physically.
It makes me realize that God hears me.
It brings spiritual strength and helps me to better resist sin.
It convicts me of my sin and brings me to a place of forgiveness.
It brings a deep sense of peace and security – I sometimes sense the very presence of Christ in my heart.
Through the reading of the word, God led King Josiah to reinstate the Passover celebration in Judah. Each of us today is also encouraged to read scripture and to remember the Lord’s sacrifice as we celebrate Communion in our own place of worship.
Reflection
What do you experience when partaking of the Lord’s Supper?
Lord Jesus, be present and guide me as I seek to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with You in fellowship with other believers. Teach me the great heavenly mysteries You hold in the Passover and in the Communion meal. Forgive me, strengthen me, uphold me, and touch my soul. Draw me close to You as I seek to remember Your great sacrifice. Thank You for the precious gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Have a beautiful, blessed day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 