Celebrating ‘Christ in the Passover’

People are invited to celebrate the Jewish Passover from a Christian perspective at a “Christ in the Passover” Seder beginning at 6 p.m. Maundy Thursday, March 29, at Living Hope Alliance Church, 1779 Frank Ave. S.E.
Steeped in tradition and symbolism, the Passover commemorates how God used Moses to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, through a traditional meal including unleavened bread and bitter herbs. God used Moses to rescue His people from bondage by sending 10 plagues to persuade Pharaoh to let the people go. With the final plague, God promised to strike dead every firstborn child in Egypt. To spare the Israelites, each Hebrew family was to take a Passover lamb, slaughter it, and place some of the blood on the door frames of their homes so the coming curse would pass them by. God commanded Israel to always remember this deliverance by sharing in a Passover meal.
Christ was observing Passover with his disciples when he broke bread and poured the fruit of the vine during the Last Supper in an upper room, and predicted the events that would soon follow — his betrayal, death on the cross and resurrection
“The Seder symbolizes salvation history in an interactive setting,” said the Rev. Chad Rose, who is organizing the event with his wife, Sandy.
Those planning to attend are asked to call Sandy at 931-0752 by March 26.

The meal will include four separate cups of grape juice: The first is a cup of sanctification and freedom, and the second focuses on the different plagues sent to Egypt. “With this cup they remember the cup of deliverance that brought them through,” Chad said.
The third cup is redemption, and the fourth cup represents thanksgiving and hope.
“The third cup we see pointing toward Jesus,” Chad said. “The Jewish people would still be expecting him; whereas, Christianity drinks this cup in recognition that He has come.”
Sandy said she has been ordering and assembling ingredients that will be used to prepare the Seder meal.
It will include parsley, which represents life, matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs such as grated horseradish, and charoset, a sweet salad of apples, dates, nuts, cinnamon and honey.
“The charoset mixture symbolizes the sweetness, the joy that God can bring even in the midst of sadness,” Sandy said. “We’re celebrating the Jewish release from slavery in Egypt, and we weave that into how Christ can provide freedom from our sin.”

CRYSTAL PUGSLEY/PLAINSMAN
The Rev. Chad Rose and his wife, Sandy, display typical items served for Passover in the Jewish tradition in the fellowship hall of Living Hope Alliance Church, 1779 Frank Ave. S.E. The church will be hosting a Jewish Passover from a Christian perspective Maundy Thursday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at the church.