| HIGHLIGHTS OF DAWN | March 1991 |
During this crucial time of trouble in world affairs, many millions of earth’s population will pause this month to observe a ritual initiated about 4,000 years ago—the Passover. Nearly 2,000 years ago, a spin-off from this event was instituted by Jesus when he and his disciples observed the Last Supper.
Both Jews and Christians tend to keep these rituals with a view to the past, as a heritage handed down, having no particular message for the future. However, when fully appreciated, these two memorials are harbingers of the world’s brightest hope for universal peace, and the eventual brotherhood of man.
The Passover and Jesus’ Memorial Supper
GOD HAD INSTRUCTED the Israelites that each year they should commemorate the first Passover night in Egypt, when the shed blood of a lamb had saved alive their firstborn. This observance was generally carried out as a family, and before the roast lamb was eaten with its bitter herbs the head of the household recounted the story of the first Passover.
It is of interest to note that Jesus observed his final Passover feast with his twelve apostles—those who at that time represented his family, the nucleus of his church to be selected later. No doubt some or all of them had been with him on previous Passover occasions. However, only this last one is recorded in detail because of some profound truths which were there illustrated for the very first time.
We can be sure Jesus’ accurate and colorful recitation of the facts surrounding Israel on that long-past night in Egypt was most impressive, and they must have been quite unprepared for the cryptic remark that followed—“One of you shall betray me.” (Matt. 26:21) In virtual disbelief each began to ask, “Lord, is it I?” (vs. 22) For all but one it was impossible for them to realize the full extent of that betrayal; they must have imagined it as much less severe an act than one which would cause his death.
We can picture in our minds how the room must have become quiet when they observed him methodically collecting some bread at his plate. No doubt they were all earnestly watching as he bowed his head in his customary way to pray. And using words and intonation of voice familiar to them, he asked his Father’s blessing upon the bread. Then something quite unexpected and new happened. He broke the bread in numerous pieces, enough for all in attendance, and gave the bread to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body.” (Matt. 21:26) As the plate was passed from one to another around the table we can envision the strange quietness, the silent glances between them.
What did this mean? This had never been part of the ceremony. When the plate had made its circuit we read that he placed a cup of wine in front of him, and once more, as all eyes were upon him, they saw him bow his head in prayer over the wine asking the Lord’s blessings upon it, and upon them. “He gave it to them, saying, All drink ye of it, for this is my blood of the New Testament 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 of it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (vss. 27-29) The cup passed silently from one to the other, and as they supped, there must have been looks of sheer bewilderment. The wine, he said, represented his blood. They wondered how could this be? Some, no doubt, recalled a quite similar statement he had made at an earlier time—one that was just as perplexing. He had stated that if anyone would gain eternal life, they would have to eat his flesh and drink his blood.—John 6:53-56
Shortly after this they sang a song, and went out into the Mount of Olives. Terrible things began to happen, and in such quick succession that the apostles no doubt soon forgot, at least for a time, the events of the Last Supper. Before long Jesus was imprisoned by the authorities, and then he whom they loved was put to death in a cruel and inhuman way—crucifixion. The gentle hands which had touched and healed and comforted, were now nailed to a cross, and some of the very ones to whom he had tirelessly preached the Gospel cried to Pilate, “His blood be upon us and our children.” (Matt. 27:25) He who had opened the blind eyes, cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, was himself dying as a spectacle before a strange gathering of Jews.
We can never fully feel the despair which came to the apostles and disciples when Jesus died so suddenly, and so terribly. The apostles had seen him miraculously heal the sick. These same miracles he had given to them also to perform. Why was he not using them for himself? Before them all, he had admitted to Peter that he was the Messiah. What could a dead Messiah do? The one who must have been bowed deepest in sorrow was his mother. The angel, Gabriel, had told Mary that her son was to be the Messiah, as we read in Luke 1:31-33: “Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” She was to remember later what Simeon had said to her, “Yea a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also.” (vs. 35) This great sorrow had now come to pass.
Between the time of Jesus’ arrest and death, and his later revealment to them as the risen Lord, we doubt they thought much of the Last Supper experience. Thoughts of that last night, and the words which he had spoken to them there were crowded out with the many astounding events which followed his resurrection. One of the most heart-warming and tender of these is recorded in Luke 24:13-32.
There we are told of two disciples, one named Cleopas, who were walking to the village of Emmaus, a few miles from Jerusalem. En route they were joined by a ‘stranger’ to them, who was later identified as the risen Lord. He had assumed a body different in appearance than anyone they had known. It appears that after a polite acceptance of the ‘stranger’ as a walking companion they fell into their previous conversation. It became evident that the two travelers were so sad and shaken over Jesus’ death that they could think or talk of nothing else.
The ‘stranger’ finally interrupted to say, “What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another as ye walk, and are so sad?” We discover that their conversation had been about Jesus’ crucifixion, when Cleopas asked him, “Art thou a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass in these days?” When the stranger replied, “What things?” they began in detail to tell the facts. They spoke of Jesus’ mighty deeds, his words, and his miracles of healing. They recounted in obvious bewilderment of how the chief priests and rulers had crucified this one who had been sent as a prophet by God.
Finally, they spoke what was on their hearts, saying, “We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel.” They had thought that Jesus was the promised Messiah who would sit on David’s throne forever. They concluded their explanation to the ‘stranger’, supposedly unacquainted with the facts, saying, “Today is the third day since these things happened.” Almost as an afterthought, they said some of the women disciples claimed they saw angels at his empty tomb who declared that Jesus was alive. When some of the men went back to the tomb, it was, indeed, empty, but they did not see Jesus.
Then the ‘stranger’ replied with a question: “Ought not Christ [or Messiah] to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” The object of the question, evidently, was to prepare their minds for a new approach to the solving of their confusion. Normally when one is asked a question there is an immediate attempt to frame an answer. And while they were yet pondering what to say, Jesus began to speak. The approach he used is quite interesting, and has numerous lessons. First, he wanted them to be purged of overwhelming emotion as he reasoned with them. If he had first revealed himself as their Master, they, in their joy and elation and excitement, might have been quite unable to follow even the simple, yet superb, prophetic presentation he made.
We read, “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” This statement opens the door for much contemplation on our part. It would seem logical that the Lord would first explain the need for redeeming Adam. Perhaps he told how the Passover lamb foreshadowed the Messiah’s death. Probably the Atonement Day sacrifices were enlarged upon to show how God required a poured-out life before the world could be blessed. A ransom, a corresponding price in the form of a perfect man must take Adam’s place in death.
It also seems reasonable that the ‘stranger’ outlined the detailed prophecy of Messiah’s life, death, and resurrection, as recorded in Isaiah 53. The Scriptural explanation had the desired effect on the minds of the disciples. Their confusion was swept away and faith restored that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. A stronger faith replaced their doubts, and they received a hitherto unmatched joy of heart. Recalling this exciting revelation, they later said “one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened unto us the Scriptures?”—Luke 24:32
When the two disciples reached their destination, Jesus “made as if he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening. … And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and broke, and gave it to them.” Then he opened their eyes to know him, and vanished. Perhaps as he took the bread and blessed it, and broke it, they recognized the words he often used in such instances. The sound of his voice was distinctive and familiar, and must have caused them to lift their eyes toward him—when suddenly he vanished. The ‘stranger’s’ chair was empty. Understanding filled their minds and hearts, and immediately they knew the risen Messiah had walked and talked with them.
They lost no time, but hurried back to Jerusalem to find the remainder of the eleven apostles gathered together, and other disciples as well. “They told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.” (vs. 35) No doubt this meant a recitation of the numerous scriptures called to their attention by Jesus. Without question the gathered disciples responded to these prophecies as did the two on the road to Emmaus. In spite of this it says “they were terrified and affrighted” (vs. 37) when suddenly Jesus appeared in the midst of them. He gently allayed their fears by words and actions. Then, when they were calm, he said, “These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”—vs. 44
His next words especially make us wish we could have been there! “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” (vs. 45) How wonderful it would have been to hear the risen Lord delineate the prophecies involved, and explain their meaning in his matchless words!
It would seem reasonable that on this occasion he first explained that the perfect Messiah himself had his life transferred from the realm of heaven. It was necessary that they realized his need of absolute sinlessness in order to be the ransom price for Adam. Thus the phrase he uttered as the ‘stranger’ had meaning, “Ought not Messiah to have suffered these things and enter into his glory?”
When the disciples first understood that Jesus had been the firstborn of all creation they were overawed. Allusions to his prehuman existence and glory keep showing up in John’s writings. Note John 1:1,3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. … All things were made by him.” And in John 1:14 we read, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
The Scriptures say he walked with them to Bethany, and then departed. No doubt the rest of the night was spent in animated conversation. They must have noted with amazement the clarity of God’s testimony concerning everything that happened to Jesus. They could have discussed his unusual statements at the Last Supper. No doubt they had heard from his own lips how the Passover Supper pictured his death.
They realized now why he had been called the “lamb of God” by John the Baptist. (John 1:36) They attempted to place in order the words of his ministry as they recalled them, with the newly revealed truth. Perhaps they thought his statement in John 6:53 was the basis for the bread and wine symbols of the Last Supper. It reads: “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”
He appeared to them at various times and in different locations. The Scriptures tell us to whom he showed himself, “being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3) When they realized he was indeed the risen Messiah, and that his death was a necessary part of the plan, they became anxious for the kingdom to begin! Note their words, “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom unto Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you.” (vss. 6-8) In other words, after they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they would understand God’s times and seasons. Then he vanished from their sight.
From his last remarks they drew hope that they would soon know when the Messianic kingdom would be set up. After the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost they were to learn another astounding truth, not previously mentioned by Jesus in his various appearances. They were to learn that the Messiah was not Jesus alone, but it included also a ‘disciple class’ who were to be selected from among men. This class would be given various titles such as the ‘body’ of Christ, the ‘bride’ of Christ, ‘joint-heirs’ of Christ, as well as being illustrated in other ways.
Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit the disciples learned that the Messiah—composed of Jesus and his ‘body members’—were to have an heavenly inheritance. This class would be drawn by God, begotten by his Spirit, and would be developed in the likeness of Jesus’ disposition. Then, when complete and in glory, there would begin the establishment on earth of the long-promised kingdom of the Messiah. This would mean the resurrection of the dead, and the end of sickness and death. Every rich promise of the Old Testament would be fulfilled in a most remarkable way.
It must have taken those early disciples some time to absorb all that was meant by this new revelation. For instance, the Apostle Peter had earlier openly identified Jesus as the Messiah when he said, “Thou art the Christ [Hebrew: ‘Messiah’], the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16) He was curious about what such discipleship would mean to him and the other apostles personally. Hence he asked, “Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matt. 19:27) Jesus’ answer must have caused Peter to have some thoughtful moments: “In the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”—vs. 28
Whatever Peter made of Jesus’ promise, it must have been an earthly concept. After he had received the Holy Spirit, he spoke with clearer understanding and in an exalted manner, of the hope that the true followers of Christ share. His words were, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature”!—II Pet. 1:4
After the Holy Spirit enlightened their minds the disciples saw the Passover type with special clarity. The nighttime when the death angel passed over the nation of Egypt and the Israelites who also dwelt there, pictured the entire period of sin and death. The Israelites were typical of the world of mankind who were to be delivered in the morning of Messiah’s reign. Those in danger of death during that Passover night in Egypt were the firstborn. Israel’s firstborn were saved from death because they stayed under the blood of the Lamb, sprinkled on the doorposts and lintels of their homes. Just so, during the Gospel Age, Jesus’ disciples remain under the blood of Christ, our Passover Lamb, picturing our justification.
. . As the body is one, and hath many members, so also is Christ. .
Also the bread and wine symbols of the Last Supper came to have special, solid meaning to those early disciples, and of course they do have special meaning to us, as well. As the ‘stranger’ on the road to Emmaus said, “Ought not Christ [or Messiah] to have suffered and to enter his glory?” By the power of the Holy Spirit they learned Messiah was Jesus and his disciples.
Note the clear, simple teaching of Paul in this regard: “As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body.” (I Cor. 12:12) What did Paul mean by this? He simply used the human body as an example. We realize that we have one human body. However each body is composed of various members such as the head, the eye, the finger, the toe, etc. And Paul stated, that “so also is the Messiah.” Concluding this presentation, he said, “Now ye are the body of Christ [Messiah], and members in particular.”—vs. 27
But the ‘stranger’ on the road had said that the Messiah must suffer. Yes, this is true of the entire Messiah. Note what Peter said: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to fry you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice.” (I Pet. 4:12,13) We might interrupt Peter here to ask emphatically, “Why should we rejoice in suffering?” And Peter answered this question with these words, “Inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s [the Messiah’s] sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may also be glad with exceeding joy.”—vs. 13
In other places we are told why Jesus suffered. In Hebrews 2:10 we are told, “It became him, for whom are all things … in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation [Jesus] perfect through suffering.” And again, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb. 5:8) If we are partakers of the Messiah’s suffering it must be for the same purpose.
Thus we realize that when Jesus offered to die in Adam’s place, the Father willed that he not go out of existence forever. And so at the point in time when Jesus offered his life in sacrifice at Jordan, the Heavenly Father begot him to a new nature. Jesus met the many difficult, and sometimes excruciatingly painful experiences with heart loyalty, and it fixed in him a character which will never deviate from righteousness throughout all eternity. In this way it can be said that he learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
Our Lord Jesus realized that his Father selected each experience he would endure with meticulous care. Because of this he could say as he faced his final, ignominious, painful experience on the cross, “The cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11) And we, too, who partake of his sufferings realize the same thing. The Father selects each experience, and they are all designed for the crystallization of our character in righteousness. And we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, for whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.”—Rom. 8:28,29
“There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1) But until the kingdom is established, the only ones released from condemnation are the disciples of the Gospel Age. However, the only reason the followers of Christ are released from condemnation now is that they might have an acceptable offering to make to God, and lay down their lives in sacrificial death. Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. … Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel’s, shall save it.”—Mark 8:34,35
Because of this the Apostle Paul stated: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3) He incorporated the oneness of the Messiah class into the Last Supper symbols of the bread and wine, saying, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion [Greek, ‘partnership’] of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”—I Cor. 10:16,17
… So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death …
Therefore we realize that the Passover celebration commemorated the actual deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It also pointed toward the sacrifice of the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world to Jesus and to his church. And, in a veiled way, it showed that during the nighttime of sin and death—this Gospel Age in which we now live—the firstborn, or the spirit-begotten, would be under the blood of Christ. This, in turn, pictures that those with whom God deals in a special way are released from condemnation, or, to say it in other words, they are justified to life.
The symbols of the bread and wine introduced by Jesus enlarge upon the experiences of the firstborn lass in the plan of God. They illustrate that this group now partakes of the benefits of the ransom Jesus provided. They also illustrate that those who are of this class must lay down their lives in sacrifice. We must be baptized into Christ’s death. Those who will partake of the Memorial of our Lord’s death on March 28th of this year, are those who have been drawn by God and have accepted Jesus as their Savior, and have consecrated themselves to be dead with him.
As we partake of the emblems, many thoughts should and will course through our minds. We should be especially grateful to our Father for our enlightenment, and our call to follow in Christ’s footsteps. We will think, too, of the nobility of heart possessed by Jesus—that he was willing to die for us and for all the world of mankind. And we will thank our Father that we have been called to be part of the Messiah Mass, having the privilege of being baptized into Christ’s death.
We shall also be mindful that before long we will be with our Lord in the realms of heaven, and experience that matchless moment when we see our Heavenly Father face to face!
And we shall rejoice that the nighttime is nearly over. Soon the glad new day of blessing will come to the world through the beneficent reign of the Messiah, when we shall have a part in wiping away all tears from off all faces. And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.—Rev. 21:1-2