CELEBRATING PASSOVER & UNLEAVENED BREAD 2024
The spring festivals are drawing close; Passover (Pesach), The Feast of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits — are you ready for this amazing time of the year? HalleluYah!
In this study, we will be covering what we currently understand about Passover (Pesach) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and why it should be celebrated today by believers and followers of Messiah. We will discuss the basics; the how, the why; meal prep, timing and even some of the more controversial topics such as:
- Are Christians ‘required’ to celebrate this holy day?
- Can Passover only be celebrated in Jerusalem?
- Lamb meat or Lamb bone?
- Origins of the Seder plate.
- And Much more.
THE NAMES
In this study, we will be using the Hebrew names and/or titles for our Heavenly Father and His Son. My apologies for any confusion, however, we have recognized that using the Hebrew names to the best of our understanding, to be an immense blessing in our walk. We also respect and understand that there are varying interpretations of the pronunciation and pray our current understanding does not offend, or take away from this study. If you believe we pronounce the name incorrectly, please consider just praying for us.
- Elohim = Hebrew word for God
- YHWH = Name of out Heavenly Father
- Yahusha = Name of the Son of YHWH (our savior, the lamb of Elohim)
It’s all about Him!
The most important part of of this festival is to Praise YHWH and honor His Son, our Messiah, who offered himself up for us. As the true Passover lamb, he broke the yoke that sin once held over us; showing us the right way, granting us eternal life, as he sat down at the right hand of the Father, and became our everlasting High Priest and eternal King!
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Messiah our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth
1st Corinthians 5:7-8
Lastly, we will distinctly identify how this appointed time (festival/holy day) plays into future prophecy, and how this very well may be the day of deliverance His people are waiting for, once again!
Therefore, behold, the days come, says YHWH, that it shall no more be said, YHWH lives, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, YHWH lives, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers
Jeremiah 16:14-15
WHO IS ISRAEL TODAY?
One of the main reasons most followers of Messiah don’t celebrate the 7 biblical feasts today, is a loss of identity. We have been taught (especially the past two centuries) that there is a division between Jews and Gentiles. It’s commonly instructed that YHWH has two sets of people, the church and Israel. This is far from the truth and has hidden his people’s eyes from a major part of our duty to walk as Messiah walked. He celebrated the feasts!
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Messiah Yahusha. And if you are Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise
Galatians 3:28-29
Through this verse we can confidently conclude that believers in Messiah = The Seed of Abraham. Let’s dive deeper into the scriptures to reveal who the Seed of Abraham is, or are!
But you, Israel, are my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend
Isaiah 41:8
Now, we can see our identity clearly.
Believers in Messiah = The Seed of Abraham = Israel
Let’s take a look at another piece of evidence to undoubtedly prove we are Israel:
Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time you were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without Elohim in the world: But now in Messiah Yahusha, you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Messiah. Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of Elohim
Ephesians 2:11-13,19
The household of Elohim has been, and always will be his people, Israel. It really is that simple. Nevertheless, there is much more evidence pertaining to this topic, and if you’re interested, please see this study for more information:
PASSOVER IS NOT A ‘JEWISH’ FEAST
“Those feasts are just for the Jews…”
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of YHWH, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; you shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of YHWH in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of YHWH, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons
Leviticus 23:2-4
Per scripture, these feasts are His, not ours, nor do they belong to any specific ethnic group. He has called His people, Israel to celebrate Him and His Son.
So are Christians required to keep the feast days? According to the scriptures, and to be in alignment with YHWH’s Word? Yes. Even Paul, who is quoted most often (Col 2:16-17) to inhibit feast day celebrating, encourages us to celebrate the feasts as we just read a moment ago (1st Cor 5:7-8). Notwithstanding I believe the correct mindset has been completely veiled over His people.
The truth is, we should feel privileged to have an opportunity to celebrate these feasts.
They are His idea after all...
Many would testify to you (myself included), that these feasts have become some of the highlights of our faith. A time to come together in brotherly love according to His Word, and not through the traditions of men; singing, dancing, eating and rejoicing in Him! In my experience, these feasts are where I’ve truly felt the love within the faith that we all hear about in the scriptures, and yearn for.
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Master Yahusha Messiah
2 Peter 1:5-8
Each one of these feasts points to the first and second coming of our redeemer! Why wouldn’t we want to celebrate? Are we holding on to the traditions of the world? I for one believe most are just uninformed regarding them, however the truth is going forth and lives are transforming for the better.
Regardless of where you are in your walk right now, it is my goal that you are able to glean valuable information regarding the history, timing, and prophetic implications for this feast. Most importantly, it is my assignment to help you properly keep (celebrate) these most excellent appointments that YHWH has given us to remember forever!
WHY WE MEMORIALIZE THE FEASTS TODAY
The Big Seven. They all point to Messiah!
Here is the everlasting command to celebrate these festivals, given by the creator of Heaven and Earth, the one who created you.
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and you shall celebrate a feast to YHWH throughout your generations; you shall celebrate a feast by an ordinance forever.
Exodus 12:14
Either our Heavenly Father means what he says, or he doesn’t. Nevertheless, some have said that we cannot keep Passover today due to this other command that on the surface, conflicts:
You may not kill the Passover within any of your gates, which YHWH your Elohim gives you: But at the place which YHWH your Elohim shall choose to place his name in, there you shall kill the Passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came forth out of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 16:5-6
Considering we aren’t in the promised land at this time, and most of us aren’t journeying to Jerusalem, what are we to do today? We have one command that tells us to keep it forever, then another that says we can only do it in Jerusalem. Here, I offer my opinion through investigating the fullness of the scriptures.
The command in Deuteronomy 16 was given to the people that were about to inherit the promised land; the inheritance that they gained, but then lost and forfeited due to disobedience. We are now in dispersion – back in Egypt, spiritually. I would humbly suggest that the command to do Passover throughout your generations supersedes the other. Consider that almost immediately after the command was given to keep it only in Jerusalem, Joshua and all the Israelites kept it in Gilgal (not Jerusalem).
And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Pesach on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho
Joshua 5:10
Did Joshua decide to completely ignore the command Moses just gave in Deuteronomy 16? Or did he realize that command was given for when they were dwelling in the land? This, I believe is an example of “rightly dividing the Word” (2 Timothy 2:15), even better translated as rightly handling, or teaching the Word.
Let’s also keep in mind that the real reason YHWH commanded them to come to Jerusalem every year was because that’s where he dwelt; his presence was to be located in that temple. However, we know through the prophets, that things would eventually change.
Howbeit the most High dwells not in temples made with hands; as says the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will you build me? says YHWH: or what is the place of my rest? Has not my hand made all these things?
Acts 7:48-50 (Stephen quoting Isaiah 66)
Also consider these passages:
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them
Matthew 18:20
And:
“Don’t you know that you are the temple of Elohim, and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16
Brothers and sisters, the Ruach Ha’qodesh (The Holy Spirit) dwells in us – his name has been placed upon us. He is with us – we are no longer looking to be reunited in physical Jerusalem, but New Jerusalem, which is to be revealed with Messiah Yahusha. It is my conclusion that we should be observing Passover like the Israelite’s did in captivity, when they were in Egypt; waiting for deliverance as we are today.
And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus says YHWH Elohim of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness
Exodus 5:1
“My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew,
as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass”
Deuteronomy 32:2
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of YHWH, and the excellency of our Elohim. Then shall the lame man leap as a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert, And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it
Isaiah 35:1,6,8
WHAT DID MESSIAH SAY?
Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and you say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Yahusha said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. You don’t know what you worship: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. Elohim is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:20-24
Yahusha taught and prophesied that the location of worship would no longer be of importance. He knew 70 A.D. would come and the temple be destroyed.
The Book of Tobit, which was included in the 1611 KJV, The Greek Septuagint and other prominent canons, give us valuable insight to this discussion. Tobiah was a righteous man from the tribe of Naphtali who was living in dispersion in Nineveh, after Assyria overcame the northern tribes and deported them from their land of inheritance. In this book, Tobiah and his family celebrated the feast of Pentecost at their home in Nineveh. Tobiah was never reproved for this when he was visited by the Archangel Raphael. If celebrating the feasts outside of Jerusalem bothered YHWH, I’m sure Raphael would have relayed the message.
When I arrived home and my wife Anna and my son Tobi′as were restored to me, at the feast of Pentecost, which is the sacred festival of the seven weeks, a good dinner was prepared for me and I sat down to eat. Upon seeing the abundance of food I said to my son, “Go and bring whatever poor man of our brethren you may find who is mindful of YHWH, and I will wait for you.”
Tobit 2:1-2
Tobit in the 1611 KJV
Tobit in the Greek Septuagint
Some have pointed out that many of us celebrate on different calendars, and therefore how could YHWH be okay with this? If you’ve spent any amount of time researching the calendar, then you know it can be ambiguous. I believe that this crossroad was a purposeful move by YHWH, as it is a prime test of our love for one another in the midst of disagreement. Many, in my opinion are failing the test, tearing down and judging one another over dates. I believe calendar disagreements are the true context of this passage in Colossians 2:
Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— things which are a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Messiah
Colossians 2:16-17
Paul isn’t dissuading anyone from celebrating, but attempting to squash the striving and arguments that are still prevalent and alive today. Remember, he encouraged us to celebrate Passover in 1st Corinthians 5:7-8. If Colossians 2 was to deter us from keeping the feast, he would be contradicting himself.
A rare photograph of Paul encouraging you to celebrate Passover 🙂
HOLIDAYS OR HOLY DAYS?
If you’re reading this (or watching the video), perhaps you already understand that we are commanded to not celebrate the holidays of the world: Christmas, Easter and others. If not, here is a good video to consider:
These holidays have been mixed with pagan practices, just as it was thousands of years ago. This is what YHWH said about worshiping him that way:
“Take heed to yourself that you be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before you; and that you inquire not after their elohiym (gods), saying, How did these nations serve their elohiym? even so will I do likewise. You shall not do so unto YHWH: for every abomination to YHWH, which he hates, have they done unto their elohiym…”
Deuteronomy 12:30-31
Think about it for a moment. Man created Christmas and Easter and most celebrate it. YHWH created Passover and the other feasts, and very few celebrate it.
Over 90% of the population in the US celebrated Christmas in 2023
Interestingly enough, Christmas was originally banned in the US by people who read their bibles
For many are called, but few are chosen
Matthew 22:14
THE HEBREW NEW YEAR
Now that we have solidified why we celebrate today, let’s move on. According the calendar we follow, the Hebrew new year will begin on the evening of Apr 9th (link to how we understand his calendar). With this, we can properly pinpoint the evening of April 23rd as the time for the Passover meal, which also begins the week of unleavened bread.
For some of you, preparing for, and celebrating the feasts may have become routine by now. However, according to many emails, messages and comments, for some, this will be your first time keeping his set-apart days, how amazing!
HISTORY OF PASSOVER
Let’s start with the account of the Passover spectacle in Egypt. We will read from Exodus chapter 12 and 13. At this point in the reading, 9 plagues have already come upon the Egyptians and one was soon to come. Reading Exodus 12-15 is a must (in my opinion) for any Pesach gathering. It is one of the greatest and most powerful stories ever told! In my opinion, this is the finest way we can honor Him without the leaven of man-made traditions. Certainly, reading it with zeal will make it more appealing for the children! Also, I believe it’s a great time to read Matthew 26-27, detailing the last supper and the crucifixion of Yahusha.
For the sake of time, I will be only be reading from chapters 12 and 13 in the video. Your homework is to read Exodus 12-15, and Matthew 26-27 for yourselves in preparation for this amazing feast. In short, the Passover and Exodus story relates directly to our walk, even today.
We are freed of sin by the blood of the lamb, and spiritually taken into the wilderness to be tested and sifted. Will we be able to enter the promised land, New Jerusalem? This week of festivities is all about deliverance from bondage (sin), gathered by YHWH from slavery, and the journey to the promised land through many miracles (Red Sea)!
For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Mitsrayim (Egypt) by Mosheh (Moses). But with whom was he grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that disobeyed? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Hebrews 3:16-4:2,11
Sin = Unbelief
If you are new to this walk of faith and obedience, I know it can be overwhelming at first. No one can expect you to get everything correct right away. This walk takes time and patience (just like a tender plant growing), don’t let anyone stress you out. If you have more questions along this walk (and you will), please see this ‘basics of the way’ playlist, it may help you along the way:
HOW DO WE CELEBRATE TODAY?
Before we get into the details, I must say, we have to be very cautious about traditions. The majority of set-apart believers today have left modern-day Christianity, which we know is littered with man-made teachings that you can’t find in the scriptures. What has been extremely unfortunate, is that some have left false modern day christian traditions, and sprinted all the way over to the other extreme — into Judaism. Growing up in this religion, I can tell you that Judaism is riddled with even more man-made teachings! These are the very things Yahusha rebuked the religious leaders for in his day. Consider even more traditions have been added over the past 2,000 years.
With this word of caution, I think we ought to tread carefully with respect to the Passover meal. Some man-made traditions added to the Passover meal include: The seder plate (they don’t eat of the lamb… think about that for a moment), the ‘commanded’ four cups of wine, the afiokmen, and much more.
These traditions are not found in Torah and need to be thrown out the window. Drinking wine is not prohibited by Torah. However, I’ve seen first-hand that for some people, 4 cups of wine leads to drunkenness. Some of these ceremonies and rituals can be really fun, I get it, I had a great time as a child. Although, I think it’s time we learned our lesson – let’s do it his way. After all, it’s all about him, not about us.
You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draws close unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:7-9
Considering none of us wants to worship him in vain, we will be sticking to the food YHWH outlined for us to eat.
And they shall eat the flesh in that night (lamb), roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it
Exodus 12:8
Lamb roasted on fire, unleavened (flat) bread and bitter herbs, that’s it.
Yet, it is an amazing meal full of flavors and nutrition that compliment each other!
It’s almost as if our Heavenly Father knows what a good meal consists of 🙂
We will discuss the meal in more detail shortly.
Here is proof the Seder came from Greek traditions:
TIMING OF PASSOVER
Here is the commandment in Leviticus:
These are the feasts of YHWH, even holy assemblies, which you shall proclaim in their appointed times. In the fourteenth day of the first month at evening is YHWH’S Pecach (Passover). And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto YHWH: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have a holy assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH seven days: in the seventh day is a holy assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein.
Leviticus 23:4-9
The Passover meal is to be killed/cooked by the evening of the 14th, and eaten at night, at the (beginning of the) 15th of the Hebrew month. This feast starts the week of Unleavened bread and continues for 7 full days.
In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at evening
Exodus 12:18
Here are more verses confirming that the entirety of the feast is seven literal days, not eight as Judaism has espoused. Link If you do some research, you’ll find out that Rabbinical Jews added the eighth day that is still commemorated by many in the Torah community.
LEAVEN
Prior to the the Passover meal, all your leavened breads (and sourdough starters) in the house should be tossed in the garbage. After the week of Unleavened bread, you can purchase more. Yes, I know your sourdough starter is amazing and it’s tough to let it go, but obedience to the Word is more important! Here is a short video by Zach Bauer explaining what is, and what is not real leaven.
THE CALENDAR
Let’s face it, we all want to be celebrating this most set apart feast on the right day, yet there is a multitude of calendars out there. Who has it right? Well, we all think we do, or hope we do at least. Here is the real test, do we have love and patience with one another as we all grow? I think we should be overjoyed at the fact that tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands of people are coming back to his ancient path, and wanting to celebrate his feasts. Imagine if you had the right calendar, but wrong heart about it, how embarrassing at the time of assessment.
With that being said, our congregation will be celebrating from the evening of Apr 23rd (Passover meal at sunset, into the night) and keeping the week of unleavened bread until the evening of Apr 30th. Evening to Evening is how YHWH taught us to count seven days, during this feast.
First fruits will be the evening of Apr 27th to the evening on Apr 28th. Here is a video on how we can commemorate first fruits (not a Sabbath).
If you would like some help pinpointing the correct dates to celebrate this year and how I arrived at these dates, here are some resources:
How To Calculate The Feast Days (Article)
THE MEAL
The scriptures keep it simple, and that’s how we’ll be doing it. The meals that follow after Passover, during the week of unleavened bread, you can get fancy (no leavened bread though), but let’s stick to the Word:
And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden (boiled) at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire. And this is how you shall eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is YHWH’S Pecach (Passover).
Exodus 12:8-11
Lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs, that’s it.
I know some of you out there are vegetarian and or vegan; I get it, I was vegetarian for two years. Consider that this is a command in the Torah. Could you stomach one or two bites to honor him? One might say, “Messiah Yahusha is the Passover lamb and fulfilled this requirement.” Couldn’t we also then say he fulfilled all the commandments and we no longer need to do those either? Keep in mind, he is also our unleavened bread (John 6:35), do we then get rid of that? Tossing out parts of His prescribed meal becomes a slippery slope. Just something to consider, I’m not here to tell you what to do, or what not to do. I’m just here as a your brother to help encourage you to follow his Word.
Most of us are not livestock owners, so it may be difficult to butcher the lamb ourselves, which is totally understandable. This is not a sacrifice, this is preparation for a meal. If you are going to get your meat somewhere, I would recommend doing your homework prior to your purchase. We should care where the meat came from and how it was handled. Finding locally raised and slaughtered meat is not as hard as you may think. It might take a few phone calls, but worth it.
But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Bil’am, who taught Balaq to cast a stumbling block before the children of Yashar’el, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Revelation 2:14
The enemies of YHWH are acting like Bil’am on a worldwide scale: A constant barrage of convincing the masses to walk in error to the Most High’s ways — including food.
Halal meats are flooding our country and this world, and there are first hand accounts of workers in these processing plats that attest they are slaughtered in the name of allah. For me, it’s not worth the risk of eating something slaughtered to another god. Moreover, some meat processing plants do not slaughter biblically, but strangle or electrocute the animals, which is strictly forbidden (see Acts 15).
Ultimately, the decision where you get your lamb from (and any future meat) is between you and YHWH, I’m not here to judge anyone. Do a little bit of investigation, you may be able to source local farmers who slaughter and butcher the animals the right way, it may be worth your effort, even if you have to travel some distance to get it.
Regardless of where you source the lamb meat, it needs to be roasted in fire, and the trusty barbecue can and will rise to the occasion! I would recommend keeping this part as close to scripture as it is possible for you to do. Also, whatever remains after the meal is over, again, if you can, burn it in fire.
“And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire”
Exodus 12:10
Unleavened Bread:
There are so many recipes out there! Here’s my recommendation, in the weeks leading up to Pesach, try different recipes and get a feel for how you prefer it. Here’s the recipe I like:
4 cups of fresh milled flour (soft white wheat is best), 2/3 cup water, 2/3 cup olive oil, salt to taste. Knead. Make into 4-5″ flattened circles. 450 8-15 min (oven’s and altitudes vary). When you see it begin to turn golden brown, take it out.
- I would avoid recipes using honey or sugar.
You can also buy premade matza crackers or even some healthier options of tortillas. Honestly, I found the homemade unleavened bread quite delicious, and worth the effort. If you’re a pizza lover, making flatbread pizza’s throughout the week (not the Pesach meal) is quite tasty!
Bitter Herbs:
There has been some discussion as of late that the bitter herbs are an insertion and that this word actually means that the feast was to be observed in bitterness. Alongside this, some have said that the whole week of unleavened bread – you are to eat unleavened bread only, as in no other foods whatsoever. Here is a study I was led to conduct, and a conclusion on the matter (in love, I do not agree with these claims).
And the children of Yashar’El (Israel) that were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised YHWH day by day, singing with loud instruments unto YHWH.
2nd Chronicles 30:21
Back on track:
Bitter herbs can come in many forms, lettuce, parsley, dandelion leaves and many others. A few years ago, I enjoyed making a salad from a combination of dandelions and parsley. Last year, at our local gathering, we ate chimichurri. This command is sort of wide open for interpretation, especially since we are in dispersion and have varied availability, depending on where we are in the world. Gathering free and healthy options that YHWH provides for us around our homes is always fun for the whole family. Always check to make sure what you are gathering is safe and healthy. Here in the Missouri Ozarks, dandelion and purple dead nettle come in abundance during this season, and is very yummy. What’s in your area?
Wine:
While wine isn’t commanded here, it was consumed during the feast:
And all the families of Mitsrayim wept upon that night, each man for his son and each man for his daughter, being the firstborn, and the tumult of Mitsrayim was heard at a distance on that night. And Bathia the daughter of Phar`oh went forth with the king on that night to seek Mosheh and Aharon in their houses, and they found them in their houses, eating and drinking and rejoicing with all Yashar’el.
Yashar (Jasher) 80:48-49
Also:
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom
Matthew 26:27-29
Messiah didn’t hate or reject wine. Consider his first miracle was turning water into wine. Remember, the grape harvest was almost 6 months prior to Passover – the only way to preserve grape juice at that time was fermentation, which created wine (with alcohol). You don’t have to drink alcohol, but I would recommend at least having some juice if you abstain from alcohol (nothing wrong with that), to participate in the giving of thanks for the cup as messiah did. Tart cherry juice or pom is a good option for you nazarites out there.
Eaten in Haste/Anticipation:
And thus shall you eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is YHWH’S Pecach (Passover).
Exodus 12:11
PROPHETIC IMPLICATIONS
I think this is a good time to discuss the prophetic implications of Passover. While Yahusha our Messiah has fulfilled these feasts, (He was sacrificed on Passover, entombed on, and was our Unleavened Bread and rose on First Fruits) there is still a future fulfillment.
Removed from the Masoretic text, (what the KJV, ESV and other popular translations come from) but left intact in the Greek Septuagint text, which is roughly 1,100 years older than the Masoretic, exists a prophecy about another regathering — the big one that we are all waiting for; some may call it the 2nd Exodus. The Septuagint gives us the timing of this prophecy. This passage is found in Jeremiah 38:8, which is the equivalent of Jeremiah 31:8 in the Masoretic:
Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travails with child together: a great company shall return here.
Jeremiah 31:8 Masoretic
Septuagint:
Behold, I bring them from the north, and will gather them from the end of the earth to the feast of the Passover: and the people shall beget a great multitude, and they shall return here.
Jeremiah 38:8 Septuagint
Every year, for the rest of my existence, I will be hoping this will be the Pesach we’ve been waiting for!! With this in mind, I will be ready to go; “loins girded”, and bags packed. Below is a fun fact
That day will be greater and more widely discussed than the Passover and the Exodus of ancient times:
Therefore, behold, the days come, says YHWH, that they shall no more say, YHWH lives, which brought up the children of Yashar’El out of the land of Egypt; But, YHWH lives, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Yashar’El out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
Jeremiah 23:7-8
Come, Messiah Yahusha, gather your people!
Celebration Specifics:
The week of unleavened bread has two Sabbaths, the first and seventh days. The evening of the 23rd of Apr (on the calendar I follow) until the evening of the 24th is a Sabbath. Likewise the evening of Apr 29th to the evening of Apr 30th is a Sabbath. If you are on a different calendar, be sure to check for these sabbath days. No work is to be done, except food preparation, and it is also a Holy Convocation; a public gathering for worship. I know not all of you can gather in person, but perhaps look for an online gathering as a secondary option. We will be attempting to live-stream our local gathering. For those who can travel, our congregation cordially invites you to worship YHWH and honor His Son with us. We will be camping out in Lebanon MO for 9 days, celebrating Passover and the whole week of Unleavened Bread. Link to more information.
SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS?
But you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein
Leviticus 23:8
Here are some scriptures giving us guidance on what we do today.
You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim by Yahusha Ha’Mashiach
1 Peter 2:5
Wherefore Yahusha also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to Elohim continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices Elohim is well pleased.
Hebrew 13:12-16
This should be a week-long festival of joy, giving praise and thanks to his name; something we should honestly be doing every day, but even more so, and officially commanded by Him, during this festival.
And the children of Yashar’el that were present at Yerushalayim kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised YHWH day by day, singing with loud instruments unto YHWH.
2 Chronicles 30:21
Food, music, dancing, campfires, fellowship, prayer, scripture studies and reading the Word!
This is what we will be doing at our Pesach celebration. You’re invited.
YAHUSHA: OUR SPOTLESS LAMB
Speak ye unto all the congregation of Yashar’El, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Exodus 12:3-5
Forasmuch as you know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Messiah, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Peter 1:18-19
The next day John saw Yahusha coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of Elohim, which takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of Elohim, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and YHWH has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Isaiah 53:3-7
And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin
1 John 3:5
Yahusha had no blemish, no sin.
In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth any of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it.
Exodus 12:46
He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Psalm 34:20
But when they came to Yahusha, and saw that he was dead already, they broke not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knows that he says the truth, that you might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
John 19:33-36
None of the lamb remains until morning:
And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remains of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
Exodus 12:10
But on the Sabbath of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Master Yahusha
Luke 24:1-3
His Body Was Wholly Consumed!
Here are some interesting passages found within the Testament of the 12 Patriarchs (found in the Dead Sea Scrolls)
And hear ye, my children, also the vision which I saw. There were twelve harts feeding: and the nine were first dispersed over all the earth, and likewise also the three. And I saw that from Judah was born a virgin wearing a linen garment, and from her, was born a lamb, without spot; and on his left hand there was as it were a lion; and all the beasts rushed against him, and the lamb overcame them, and destroyed them and trod them under foot. And because of him the angels and men rejoiced, and all the land. And these things shall come to pass in their season, in the last days.
Testament of Joseph 2:72-76
For Joseph also besought our father that he would pray for his brethren, that YHWH would not impute to them as sin whatever evil they had done unto him. And thus Jacob cried out: My good child, you have prevailed over the bowels of thy father Jacob. And he embraced him, and kissed him for two hours, saying: In you shall be fulfilled the prophecy of heaven concerning the Lamb of Elohim, and Savior of the world, and that a blameless one shall be delivered up for lawless men, and a sinless one shall die for ungodly men in the blood of the covenant, for the salvation of the Nations and of Israel, and shall destroy Beliar (Satan) and his servants.
Testament of Benjamin 1:18-21
Eating the Flesh of the Passover Lamb
And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the entrails
Exodus 12:8-9
We eat in memorial of Him!
And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of YHWH does man live
Deuteronomy 8:3
This is a great time to transition into: Yahusha is also our Unleavened Bread, but before we do, consider what he just said, “so he that eats me, even he shall live by me”. Considering we know he is the Word made flesh:
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall you not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall you not do: neither shall you walk in their ordinances. You shall do my right-rulings, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am YHWH your Elohim. You shall therefore keep my statutes, and my right-rulings: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am YHWH.
Leviticus 18:3-5
And I gave them my statutes, and showed them my right-rulings, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.
Ezekiel 20:11
YAHUSHA: OUR UNLEAVENED BREAD
They said therefore unto him, What sign will you show then, that we may see, and believe you? What do you work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Yahusha said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of Elohim is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Master, evermore give us this bread. And Yahusha said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That you also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which has sent me, that of all which he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Yahusha, the son of Yoceph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he says, I came down from heaven? Yahusha therefore answered and said unto them, murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of Elohim. Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes unto me. Not that any man has seen the Father, save he which is of Elohim, he has seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me has everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John 6:30-51
Expounded at the Last Supper:
Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where do you want us to go and prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when you are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters in. And you shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master says unto you, where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat of it, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of Elohim. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of Elohim shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.
Luke 22:7-20
When we eat the unleavened bread, we should be remembering Messiah, just as we should do with the lamb and the wine. If you’re eating with family or friends, take some of the bread, break off a piece and pass it around that you may share in the same loaf, as we all share our bond in messiah Yahusha. Praise YHWH for sending us his Son, the true teacher of the doctrine from above, without the leaven of man’s doctrine!
Foot Washing
“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Adonai: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Adonai and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Master; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
John 13:12-17
Unbelieving or Unequally Yoked Spouses
I can’t speak for YHWH here, but only from experience and testimonies of others — what works and what doesn’t work. If you have a spouse who’s just not quite with you on this journey, be a light to them. Don’t be angry or bitter or rude if their eyes haven’t been opened yet. Perhaps this is a test for you both?
“For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
1 Cor 7:16
Think about it, we are to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves’. Well, your spouse is your closest neighbor! YHWH loved us and sent his son for us while we were yet sinners, blind and deaf. Can you love your spouse and be a good example to him/her, even in the face of division, ridicule or hatred for wanting to keep YHWH’s ways? Husbands, keep the feast with your children. If your wife doesn’t want to celebrate, don’t force it. Did YHWH force you? Just be a good example and keep a good attitude at all times. What I wouldn’t recommend, is allowing your wife to talk you out of celebrating his feasts/Sabbaths.
Wives with unequally yoked or unbelieving husbands, I would never suggest you rebel against them, but do as much as you can, when you can. Even if you have to keep the feast by yourself, do so. Here is a short clip for wives with unbelieving husbands:
“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Messiah is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.”
Ephesians 5:23
Prayer and fasting leading up to these days for deliverance is highly recommended. Who knows if YHWH would hear you and open your spouses eyes, or at a minimum, allow you to keep the high holy days. I’ve heard and seen testimony after testimony. YHWH is good my brethren, just stay faithful and patient!
SPIRITUAL PREPARATIONS
There’s much more to preparations for Passover than cleaning your home of leavened breads. This is a time to spiritually prepare your house (the temple of YHWH) in anticipation of the appointed time. Examine yourself as Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 11; Passover is not a light matter, and should be taken seriously.
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Master, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Master. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Master’s body.
1st Corinthians 11:27-29
FINAL THOUGHTS
Regardless of when you celebrate this coming festival season, I am overjoyed to see so many people YHWH has woken up with a heart for his ways. It is my hope that you have a better understanding of these amazing feast days and know more about why we remember them. I hope we are found worthy to celebrate this together forever within the walls of New Jerusalem. If you have questions, post them in the comments section and we will do our best to answer.
Review:
Rid your house of leavened breads. Get together with other believers if you can, eat the meal on the evening of Apr 23rd at sunset, as it’s becoming night. Read Exodus 12-15 & Matthew 26-27 with all your heart, stop and expound to the understanding of those with you, sing, dance and rejoice to YHWH with all your heart. Get the children involved, super important! Give all praise to him through his Son and spotless lamb Yahusha, this meal is about him. Be ready, because this can be the day he comes for us!!!
YHWH bless you and keep you,
YHWH make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
YHWH lift up his countenance upon you and give you Shalom
Numbers 6:24-26
