Passover is of interest to me as a follower of Christ because it played a big part of the background for the Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples on the night He was betrayed.

I read the story today (Exodus 12:1-14) knowing that it is still a core festival for the Jewish people and at the same time could not help how significant the meaning is to me as it sets up the Christian practice of Holy Communion. Just as the Passover was to be remembered and retold, so did Jesus leave instruction to remember Him every time we celebrated with communion. Both themes observe the story of death and resurrection. Both ritual and narrative work together as mutually interpretive.

I am called to remember Jesus as the lamb of God who is without blemish and remember His sacrifice on the cross from where He delivered me from sin and death. I remember the love that God has for me, and my identity as a redeemed and liberated person. I also remember my past but not in a bad way, only to remember that I am not going to make a mistake and return to being bonded by sin and death.

In remembering, I am motivated and empowered to continue to renew my relationship with Jesus. I am committed to being a lifelong follower and learner who wants to serve and influence others to serve. I remember to serve, I remember God’s love and I love those who have chosen to follow God.

So while Jesus was in fact celebrating the Passover meal, He was beginning a memorial supper celebrating God’s new covenant with me.

Through all of this storytelling a key verse struck me this morning out of Exodus chapter 12:

All the people of Israel did just as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron. – Exodus 12:50  ESV

Not only today am I challenged to appreciate, and to continue to remember what God has done in the Passover and the Last Supper, I am called to challenge myself with these questions:

• Why is obedience so important to my deliverance?
• Is there any discipleship without obedience?
• Does someone who says they believe in Jesus but do not obey Him have real faith?