Yeshua celebrated Passover...Let us celebrate our FREEDOM!
Passover points to Messiah in what feels like a million ways.
First, we see that the deliverance of our people out of Egypt is a foreshadowing of the deliverance from iniquity and shame through Mashiach. The need for the blood on the doorposts of Jewish homes is representative of our need for blood atonement. This blood atonement is the most compelling symbol in a world where some secular Jewish people (and some non Jewish) don’t even believe they have sin or need an atonement anymore.
Many Secular and reform Jewish friends all over the world (the majority) feel they can forgive themselves or be forgiven magically because they feel inherently like good people. The scriptures say that all of our righteousness (though important) is not enough and that there is only lifein the blood. Leviticus 17:11 and Isaiah 53 can be extremely useful in providing scriptural support regarding the need for sacrifice.
The Matza has stripes to remind us that by His stripes (wounds) we are healed. The Afikomen (middle Matza) reminds us of the Abba, the son, and the Ruach Ha Kodesh. Just as we hide and “resurrect” the Afikomen, Yeshua died for us on a tree, was buried and resurrected. Just as the angel of death passed over G-ds people, when we believe in Yeshua, we have eternal life and death passes over us!
Even the hand-washing ceremony is reminiscent of the stunning moments when Yeshua humbly washed the feet of his followers in the book of John Chapter 13, especially verse 9. Who would not wish for Yeshua to wash and cleanse every part of their being? “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
What role should the holidays play in the life of a Messianic Jewish person and their discipleship in the faith?
My heart’s cry is that every Messianic or Jewish believer raises their children to understand Yeshua and His role in all Jewish Holidays. Understanding how our Judaism reflects Yeshua is of utmost importance in enriching our faith and allowing a future generation of Believers to be equipped to share our faith. This will also draw us closer to Adonai.
As for Believers with no physical children, your knowledge will be used to raise up a generation of spiritual children and to teach your extended families about the Messianic Connection. In understanding and passing on the Jewishness of Yeshua, you and I will become powerhouses for spreading the good news. (Scripture says: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!)
Jewish people all over the world will one day understand that their Messiah is Jewish and that the most Jewish thing we can do is to believe in Him. We are proud of ourJudaism and do not have to change who we are to believe. Just believe.