There is a lot of debate among both Christians and Jews about the role of Passover in the Christian faith. There are some who see the two religions as world's apart with separate stories and traditions. There are others who see Christianity born out of the Jewish story. I stand in the latter camp. For me, my faith takes on a richer hue and depth if I consider that the story began with Abraham rather than Jesus.
Passover and Easter are intertwined. They are parts of the same story. God offering freedom to humanity from those things that enslave us. The first Passover was a literal freedom from slavery. Like Africans brought to slavery in the old south, Israelites found themselves enslaved in Egypt. Thier suffering grew from generation to generation until God appointed the unlikely character of Moses to lead them out of Egypt back to thier homeland. God freed the Israelites but sending plagues to the Egyptians, but He passed over the homes of the Israelites. After they were free, He commanded them to remember the exodus from Egypt by celebrating Passover each year.
And they do.
On Monday night, in Jewish homes around the world they will gather and retell the story of freedom. And they remember that God is able to free is from those things that enslave us today.
I've read some amazing Hagadahs. Beautiful liturgies that celebrate the freedom God offers. Times that I have been invited to the table have filled my heart with hope. And so my heart lifts up those who are running around this weekend to prepare. May this blessed meal remind you of who you are and who leads you into freedom.
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