1. The Passover Meal and Jesus’ Last Supper

2. The Passover celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery at the time of Moses. Each year in the spring Israel celebrated with a special family meal that had much symbolism. –They ate unleavened bread, bitter herbs, lamb, etc. –As the main part of the meal began, the youngest son was to ask, “Why is this night different from any other night?”

3. The Passover meal went through several stages. 1.An inaugural blessing and prayer followed by a dish of herbs and the first of four cups of wine. 2.The story of the first Passover was told by the father. The youngest son was instructed to ask why this night was so special. The second cup was shared at this point.

4. 3.After a prayer they ate the main course of roasted Passover lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs and a third cup of wine. 4.The group would sing songs, including Psalms 114-118, and share the fourth cup of wine.

5. As Jesus ate this meal with his disciples he gave it new meaning. –It would now be a celebration of God’s work through him. –It would be a reminder of the life he lived –It would be a reminder of his death and resurrection –It would be a reminder that he will return someday Within a short period of time, Jesus’ disciples were observing this meal on Sunday rather than the Sabbath, because that is the day Jesus rose from the dead.