Sabbath Thought: The Passover Ceremony: Why we observe it the way we do.

     It’s interesting to note that this year, the timing at which the Passover falls within the week is exactly as it was for Jesus’ last Passover in 31 AD. This timing doesn’t change the meaning of Passover, but it’s something interesting to think about as we enter this special time of year. Here we are some 2,000 years later walking in the footsteps, following the example that our Savoir left for us. This timing can help us visualize what Jesus and the disciples experienced as they faced a historic and dramatic turning point in the fulfilment of God’s plan of Salvation for all mankind.

     That evening would set in motion the closing of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant. It had to be exciting, prophesies were being fulfilled before their very eyes, yet at the same time, Jesus was well aware of the reality of what would unfold in the next few hours. It was real and it was recorded for our learning and is to be used as a source of encouragement to stay true to the pattern set forth by our Savoir.

     I suggest that we all take the time before the Passover to consider what Jesus actually did as well as the actions of the disciples under His instructions, during that Passover Ceremony, starting from the preparations of Tuesday, Abib 13 through the observance during the evening (night portion of the Passover) of Wednesday, Abib 14. I hope that within this study that you’ll be encouraged as well as solidify within your hearts and minds as to why we observe the Passover Ceremony in the order that we do today. 

     To assist in this study, I have listed the order of events as outlined in scripture. I have also attacked a visual timeline. The visual timeline along with the harmony of the gospels helps clarify what exactly took place in 31 AD and what was to take place on the Passover from that moment onward.

1. Jesus sends the disciples into the city to prepare the Passover.
    (Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7:13)

2. Jesus sits down with the twelve disciples to eat the Passover meal.
    (Matthew 26:20, Mark 14:17, Luke 22:14-16)

3. Disciples argue/dispute among themselves as to who should be the greatest.
    (Luke 22:24-30)

4. Meal (supper) ends, Jesus institutes the Foot-Washing Ceremony.
    (John 13:2-17)

5. Jesus Announces that one of them will betray Him.
    (Matthew 26:21-22, Mark 14:18-19, Luke 22:21-23, John 13:21-25)

6. Jesus reveals His betrayer.
    (Matthew 26:23-25, Mark 14:20-21, John 13:26)

7. Judas Iscariot leaves the upper room.
    (John 13:27-30)

8. Jesus gives a new commandment to love as He has loved and prophesies about their desertion of Him.
    (John 13:31-38, Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 21:31-38)

9. Jesus institutes the New Covenant symbols of the Bread and Wine.
    (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

10. Jesus gives final teaching to the disciples in the upper room.
      (John 14:1-31)

11. Jesus and the remaining eleven disciples sing a hymn, leave the upper room for the Mount of Olives.
      (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Luke 22:39, John 15:31).

Have a wonderful and spiritually enriching Sabbath,
Ryan Hall

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

 1. What did Esau receive from his brother Jacob in exchange for his birthright?
*Hint: Genesis 25:24-34

2. What does King Solomon identify as the beginning of knowledge?
*Hint: Proverbs 1:7

3. What did the people think Paul was when he was bitten by a viper and did not suffer any harm or death?
* Hint: Acts 28:1-6

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (March 25th): 2:00 PM
2. Next Sabbath – (April 1st): 2:00 PM
3. Passover Service: (Baptized Members Only)- Evening of April 4th – Service starts @ 7:55 pm. Location Gateway Conference Center
4. Night to be Much Observed: Evening of April 5th. Please make sure you have plans and if you do not, please don’t wait to let someone know. For those who are interested in meeting together once again for the Night to be Much Observed at the Gateway, the meeting hall has been booked and a catered meal is being planned. UPDATE: We have not received enough interest at this time to move forward with booking the Gateway and catering. If we do not have enough by this evening, other plans will need to be made.
5. First Day of Unleavened Bread: Thursday, April 6th – Services are at 2:00 pm. Location: Gateway Conference Center
6. Last Day of Unleavened Bread: Wednesday, April 12th – Services at 10:30 am & 2:00 pm. We will be combining with Youngstown and Cleveland. There will be a catered meal between services. Location: Shady Hollow Country Club, 4865 Wales Av NW, Massillon, Oh 44646.

The cost will be 25.00 per person. (If you need help financially – please let us know).

Reminder about LDUB payment.

Send to Debbie Kuhns: PO Box 115 Paris, Ohio 44669.  Check written to UCG N. Canton. $25.00

Please sign the list on the info table for NTBO if wanting to attend.  Payment is needed ASAP as well as a count on those requesting Gluten Free meals. Please note: Desserts and Unleavened Bread is all the food that the facility has approved for us to bring in. They have requested that we do not outside food other than that which was previously approved. 

7. Spring/Summer Picnic: Mark your calendars, Our annual Spring/Summer Picnic is scheduled for after Sabbath Services on June 10, 2023 at Price Park.
8. Troyer’s Hollow Campout: Mark your calendars for the Annual Troyer’s Hollow Campout June 23-25, 2023! Nestled in the scenic hills of Amish Country near Charm, Ohio, Troyer’s Hollow in the Doughty Valley, we will once again come together for a fellowship focused weekend for all ages. More details to follow. If you have questions now, please reach out to Mary Miller - mary@crawfordmfg.com
9. Seasons of a Woman’s Life: The women of the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne congregations invite you to a Women’s Enrichment Weekend April 21-23, 2023. We will discuss and learn about the “Seasons of a Woman’s Life”. Rooms have been reserved at a local hotel and we will host a welcome reception there on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, ladies will meet at the Indianapolis church building for a fun weekend of learning, fellowship, and music. You may contact Lizzy Creech at liz.creech06@yahoo.com with any questions. See attached Flyer for more info.

If I’ve overlooked anything, Please let me know ASAP.