The Significance of Passover in the New Testament: Transition and New Covenant
Passover, a significant event in the Old Testament, plays a crucial role in the New Testament. It symbolizes the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, marking the fulfillment of traditional practices and the introduction of a new era with a flawless sacrifice.
Passover in the Old Testament Context
The Passover in the Old Testament was a celebration of deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). However, in the New Testament, no mention is made of Jesus being involved in the actual Passover feast. The events leading to Jesus' trial and crucifixion did not unfold in the context of the Passover celebration, as Jesus foretold in John 18:40. Instead, the significance of Passover lies in the transition it represents.
The New Covenant and Eternal Life
The New Testament indicates that the Old Testament covenant has been officially replaced by a new and everlasting covenant. This is evident in verses like Isaiah 53:10 and Psalm 116:16, where Jesus receives a long life and eternal salvation. The significance of Passover in the New Covenant is underscored by passages such as Psalm 91, Psalm 116, and Isaiah 53, which prophesy the perfection of Christ's sacrifice.
Key Verses and Implications
Isaiah 53:10 states: “Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will succeed in his hand.”
Psalm 116:16: “Those who fear the LORD return to him, and your hearts will find joy in his salvation.”
These verses highlight the significance of Passover in the New Covenant: eternal life, freedom from sins, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit through a new, eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ.
The New Covenant and Jesus as a Priest
Before the establishment of the New Covenant, the priesthood under the Old Covenant was transient, as mentioned in Hebrews 7:12. However, Jesus, as the new High Priest, promised eternal priesthood. Romans 10:4-5 affirms,
“Christ was delivered as a sacrifice for our sins so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
The Consecration of the New Covenant
The New Covenant is ratified by Jesus' blood, as stated in Hebrews 9:18-22. During the Passover meal, Jesus revealed the bread and the wine as His body and blood, reflecting the significance of the new covenant. He referenced Melchisedech, an old priest mentioned in Genesis who foreshadowed Jesus' role as a new and eternal High Priest. John the Baptist also made a curious statement highlighting Jesus' uniqueness:
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Jesus' Actions and Teachings at the Last Supper
The Last Supper was a powerful moment when Jesus washed His disciples' feet, displaying humility and servitude. He then instructed them to follow this example, not out of obligation but as a heartful response to His grace. Jesus emphasized that the New Covenant operates beyond the world's conventions, reflecting His divine nature (John 13:13-17).
The Availability of the Room for the Last Supper
The availability of the room for the Last Supper is interesting, considering that Jerusalem was packed with visitors for the annual Passover Festival. The contrast is significant; while the crowd came and went, the room reserved for the disciples was miraculously available. This underscores the divine appointment of the event, suggesting that it was a celestially ordained appointment.
All previous Passover events were just shadows pointing to the reality of Christ. As Jesus said in John 12:24, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Therefore, Christ is our Passover, and our reality.