Why Christians Should Indeed Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread

Christians can and should celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a central observance that aligns with the traditional practices of their Jewish messiah, Jesus Christ. This feast carries significant theological and spiritual importance for those seeking to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Understanding the Importance of Following Jesus' Example

For Christians, celebrating Passover is more than a cultural exercise; it's a profound act of reverence. The Jewish disciples of Jesus observed many Jewish feasts, including Passover, and saw these observances as significant in understanding the fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of the new covenant.

For those who consider Jesus their savior, observance of these feasts is not just an option but a fundamental practice. The Bible instructs Christians to follow what Christ commanded: 'And remember, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' (Matthew 28:20). This means keeping all things that He has commanded.

Scriptural Evidence for Observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread

The Bible, particularly the book of Leviticus, explicitly lists the feasts that God regards as His festivals. These include the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which Jesus and His disciples observed. Leviticus 23 states:

'These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim in their appointed times.#8230; The seventh month#8230; The 15th day of the same month is the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days: It shall be a statute forever in your generations in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at their appointed times in their seasons.'

Furthermore, Jesus himself affirmed the importance of the Sabbath, the first of these feasts, by stating: 'For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath' (Matthew 12:8).

Contemporary Observance byVarious Christian Denominations

While many Christian denominations do not observe Passover, others do indeed celebrate it in various ways. For example, the St. Thomas Christians (also known as Syrian Christians) in Kerala, India, continue to observe Passover in a way that is indigenous to their culture. Special worship services and festivities mark the occasion, and it is a significant holiday for them.

This observance is not just a cultural relic but a living tradition that demonstrates the compatibility of Christian faith with ancient Jewish practices, provided they are understood and practiced in the context of the New Covenant.

Reflecting on Biblical Teachings

Biblical teachings consistently underscore the importance of keeping the commandments. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the law, maintained the importance of the Sabbath and other feasts. Therefore, it is not a matter of choice for those who follow Christ but a matter of obedience and faith.

Scripture supports the continuity of these feasts in the new covenant, as seen in passages like Exodus 12 and Leviticus 23. The celebration of Passover and Unleavened Bread helps modern Christians to understand the continuity of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing the eternal significance of these observances.

In conclusion, while Christians may not be 'required' to observe Passover in the same manner as Jews, doing so can enrich one's spiritual life and deepen one's understanding of the faith. It is a personal choice and a step toward living out the teachings of Christ as they were handed down to us.

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