How can we prepare our hearts during significant spiritual seasons like Passover? Setting the Scene: Mark 14:1 “Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away. And the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.” Passover is approaching; hearts are being positioned either to receive the Lamb or to reject Him. The same decision confronts us each time a sacred season draws near. Remember the Lamb—Center on Christ • Exodus 12:3–6 introduces the spotless lamb kept in the home before sacrifice. • John 1:29 reveals Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” • 1 Peter 1:19 calls Him “a lamb without blemish or spot.” Practical steps: – Read the Gospel accounts of the Passion aloud in the days leading up to the celebration. – Meditate on specific scenes (the upper room, Gethsemane, Calvary) to keep Christ central. – Sing or stream hymns that exalt the cross and resurrection. Clear Out the Leaven—Personal Examination • Exodus 12:15 commands Israel to remove all yeast. • 1 Corinthians 5:7–8: “Get rid of the old yeast… For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • Psalm 139:23–24 models an honest invitation for God to search the heart. Practical steps: – Set aside quiet time, asking the Spirit to reveal hidden sin. – Confess immediately and claim 1 John 1:9 for cleansing. – If reconciliation is needed with someone, pursue it before the feast (Matthew 5:23–24). Set Apart Time—Intentional Fellowship • Luke 22:15: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering.” • Hebrews 10:22 urges us to “draw near with a sincere heart.” Practical steps: – Block out distractions: limit media, adjust schedules, guard mealtimes. – Share a simple Passover-style meal or Communion service with family or close friends. – Read and discuss Mark 14 together, noticing Jesus’ eagerness for fellowship. Practice Sacrificial Generosity—Living the Message • Israel left Egypt with unleavened bread in haste, trusting God’s provision (Exodus 12:34–36). • Romans 12:1 calls believers to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” Practical steps: – Give a special offering to missions or benevolence. – Volunteer time to serve the marginalized, mirroring the Lamb who gave Himself. – Fast a meal and redirect those resources to someone in need. Embrace Expectant Hope—Looking Ahead • Mark 14 transitions quickly from plotting priests to Jesus instituting the New Covenant. • Revelation 5:12 pictures multitudes proclaiming, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” Practical steps: – End each day of the season by thanking God for redemption already accomplished and the glory yet to come. – Memorize 1 Corinthians 11:26: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” – Let hope shape conversations, steering them toward Christ’s return and eternal Passover joy. Summary Checklist for Heart Preparation • Focus daily on the Lamb’s person and work. • Remove spiritual “yeast” through honest repentance. • Prioritize unhurried time with Jesus and His people. • Translate gratitude into tangible sacrifice and service. • Fuel hope by rehearsing the promise of His coming kingdom. Following these rhythms positions the heart to honor the Lord during Passover—or any sacred season—with sincerity, truth, and overflowing joy. |
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