The preparation of the Passover is a significant event in the biblical narrative, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and observed by Jesus and His disciples. The Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as described in the Book of Exodus. The preparation for this feast involves specific rituals and customs that have been observed for generations.

Biblical Background

The Passover, or Pesach, is first instituted in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron regarding the observance of this feast. The Israelites are instructed to select a lamb without blemish, sacrifice it, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This act serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their houses during the final plague on Egypt, the death of the firstborn. The lamb is to be roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, and the people are to eat it in haste, ready for their imminent departure from Egypt.

New Testament Observance

In the New Testament, the preparation of the Passover takes on additional significance as it is closely associated with the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—provide accounts of Jesus instructing His disciples to prepare for the Passover meal, which would become known as the Last Supper.

In Mark 14:12-16 , it is recorded: "On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, 'Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?' So He sent two of His disciples and told them, 'Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, "The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?" And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.' So the disciples left, went into the city, and found everything as Jesus had told them. And they prepared the Passover."

Rituals and Customs

The preparation of the Passover involves several key elements:

1. Selection of the Lamb: The lamb must be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. This requirement is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who is without sin.

2. Unleavened Bread: Leaven, or yeast, is a symbol of sin and corruption. The removal of leaven from the home signifies a cleansing process, preparing the heart for the sacred observance.

3. Bitter Herbs: These herbs serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery in Egypt, prompting reflection on the cost of redemption.

4. The Seder Meal: The Passover meal, or Seder, includes the retelling of the Exodus account, prayers, and the consumption of symbolic foods. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for God's deliverance.

Theological Significance

For Christians, the preparation of the Passover is rich with theological meaning. It prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood, like that of the Passover lamb, provides deliverance from sin and death. The Last Supper, celebrated during the Passover, establishes the New Covenant in Christ's blood, as Jesus declares in Luke 22:19-20 : "And He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'"

The preparation of the Passover, therefore, is not only a historical observance but also a profound spiritual event that points to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.