“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed [for us].” 1 Corinthians 5:7

Five days before the Jewish Passover, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, offering himself as Israel’s king. The Feast of the Passover was celebrated every year for seven days, beginning with the fifteenth day of the first month, named Nisan. It reminded the Jews of Moses leading the Israelites out of their slavery in Egypt many years before. It was also a picture of the passing over, or sparing from death, of the firstborn of that nation. They were all subject to death when the tenth plague came upon Egypt unless a lamb’s blood had been sprinkled on the sides and upper door posts of their homes. It was an event that marked the birth of the nation of Israel. Passover is still celebrated to this day.

Jesus would become the Passover lamb to fulfill the picture of the first Passover. Jesus and his followers ate the Passover supper each year. The last time Jesus was with them and they had finished their meal, Jesus gave them something new to observe. In place of the Passover he started the Memorial Supper.

Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is [represents] my body, which is for you” (1 Corinthians 11:24). Then he took the cup of wine (fruit of the vine, grape juice), gave thanks, and passed it to his disciples saying, “Drink from it, all of you” (Matthew 26:27). He said it represented his blood which was to be shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus’ followers do this each year in remembrance of his death. They realize in their hearts that Jesus’ death is the ransom, the corresponding price, for the sins of the whole world. They lay down their lives in sacrifice and develop a new creature (or new mind). If they remain faithful, they will receive a spirit body in the kingdom and become members of the church, living and reigning over the earth with Jesus Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4

The sacrificed lives of the church are not necessary to redeem the world, yet God will give the divine nature to those who eagerly walk in the Master’s footsteps, sacrificing all they have (their time, money, talent, and strength) faithfully unto death.

Each year we remember Jesus’ death by participating in the Memorial Supper.