The first and greatest of the annual feasts of the Jews was Passover. By Jesus’ day, Passover had gone through some changes, which we can see in the way that Jesus took the Passover. For example, while the Law states that Passover is to be eaten in haste, later observers reclined at table. Elements were added to the meal, like cups of wine and a sauce made of bitter herbs.

The focus of the Passover in the first century had also shifted slightly. The meal was a time of celebration and thanksgiving, remembering God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage. However, it was also an expression of community, an identification with the people of Israel and the history of that people. Participation in the Passover was a participation in a stream of history going back to the early days of the nation. Also, the meal had come to focus on the expectation of the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s new kingdom on earth. These elements continue to be focused even today.

As we look at the Lord’s Supper, we should see its connection with the Passover. At the same time, we should not overdo that connection. Note that Paul speaks of Jesus as the Passover lamb in 1 Corinthians 5:7, yet makes no reference to the Passover when discussing the Lord’s Supper in chapters 10 and 11.

The Passover served as the backdrop for the establishment of the Lord’s Supper, a fact which Matthew, Mark and Luke make clear. Understanding the Passover helps us to understand what went on the night Jesus was betrayed. The night that He took bread and wine and forever changed the way that we look at them.