What does the Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolize in the life of a believer? Verse Focus “You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, for in the month of Abib you came out of Egypt.” (Exodus 34:18) What Unleavened Bread Meant to Israel • Seven days with no yeast in sight—homes swept clean (Exodus 12:15, 19). • A memorial of swift deliverance; there was no time for dough to rise (Deuteronomy 16:3). • An annual reminder that God’s people were set apart from Egypt’s bondage and idolatry. Leaven as a Picture of Sin • A small amount permeates everything (Galatians 5:9). • Jesus likened hypocrisy to leaven (Luke 12:1; Mark 8:15). • Paul applied the image to moral compromise in the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Christ, Our Unleavened Bread • “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with the old leaven… but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) • He is sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21) and imparts His righteousness to all who trust Him (Romans 3:22). • By His once-for-all sacrifice, believers are permanently set free from the slavery of sin (John 8:36). Symbolism in the Life of a Believer • Separation: intentionally removing known sin—thoughts, habits, influences. • Speedy obedience: responding to God without delay, just as Israel left Egypt in haste. • Sustenance: feeding daily on Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35). • Continual cleansing: regular self-examination so “a little leaven” does not creep in. • Community purity: guarding the fellowship so that corporate witness remains untainted. Practical Ways to Live the Feast Today 1. Clear out “old leaven”: confess and forsake sin immediately (1 John 1:9). 2. Fill the house with new dough: meditate on Scripture, letting truth rise in every corner (Psalm 119:11). 3. Keep short accounts with others: forgive quickly, pursue reconciliation (Ephesians 4:31-32). 4. Celebrate freedom: regularly thank God for delivering you from bondage (Romans 6:17-18). 5. Invite accountability: allow trusted believers to help spot hidden leaven (Hebrews 3:13). Supporting Passages to Explore • Exodus 12:14-20 – original institution of the feast • Leviticus 23:6-8 – calendar placement among God’s appointed times • Matthew 26:17-29 – Jesus keeps the feast and reveals its fulfillment • 1 Peter 1:15-16 – call to holiness in every part of life |
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