Passover commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Seder—meaning “order”—is the ritual meal traditionally held on the first one or two nights of Passover, where participants retell the story of the Exodus, eat symbolic foods, and celebrate freedom.

‍

For Christians, Jesus’ Last Supper, which was a Passover Seder, brings depth to our communion practice and our understanding of Jesus as the Lamb of God. This meal, where Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, was steeped in Passover themes of deliverance and covenant. Taking time to participate in the celebration of this meal can bring the meaning of the cross into focus as we go into Easter weekend. 

‍

We love gathering together with friends and family for a Passover meal every year. Here are a few examples of what we do:

‍

Rachel - We invite a few friends over to our home on the day before Good Friday. We like to make it extra special and use nice dishware and table settings. We incorporate some of the traditional Seder meal elements, like matzah, the 4 cups of wine (or juice), bitter herbs, and charoset, but also add some of our own favorite elements. As we go through the meal, we read through a script that reflects on the traditional elements of Passover and how it relates to Christ. We like to get the kids involved in this part- coloring “blood” over the doorpost, saying one of the prayers, and searching for the hidden piece of matzah. It has become one of our most favorite parts of Holy Week!

‍

Megan - Years ago when I was just 18 I was living overseas at a Torchbearers Bible School. Spring came around and the chef at the school taught us a week long course on the feasts of Israel. His class culminated with a traditional Passover meal where he shared with each element of Passover how Jesus was the fulfillment of every symbol in Passover. It was a powerful, interactive experience that brought to life the way all of the Bible points to Jesus. It helped me tie my experience of deliverance and salvation to the Israelites history as well. That’s the beauty of celebrating Passover, it’s a chance to share the rich storied past of our faith alongside the hope Jesus brings here and now. It’s discipleship through feasting. 

I remember thinking as an 18 year old, “one day when I have a family I’m going to celebrate these feasts with my family!” And now almost 12 years in I can say it has been a rich and cherished tradition. Every year has been slightly different. Sometimes it’s been just our immediate family quietly celebrating together. Some years we didn’t have bandwidth to host so we brought all the elements along with a picnic dinner to a park and had a picnic style Passover with some friends. Most often we gather with our dearest friends and extended family and have a traditional Seder which includes reading of scripture, singing of songs, eating salty and bitter and sweet remembrances and delighting in a meal together. 

A few years ago we adapted a Seder Script for a printed Family Field Guide which we think is a great script to read with kids involved. We attached it here for you to use too.

‍