Just a reminder: The Passover lamb was killed on Thursday, the Day of Preparation of Passover – commonly referred to today as Maundy Thursday. Passover actually started at sundown on Thursday, so the traditional Jewish meal was eaten on the first day of Passover and consisted of roasted lamb, Matzoh (unleavened bread), and bitter herbs. Passover has been a required Jewish tradition that commemorates their exodus from slavery in Egypt.
It was Jesus’ desire to eat the Passover meal (also referred to as the Last Supper) with His disciples in the upper room that had been prepared and made ready. Jesus foretold of His betrayal by one of the disciples. Each disciple asked, “Is it I?” And Judas asked, “Rabbi, is it I?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
Even though Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, Jesus served him. Jesus knew what was in Judas’ heart, and He knew the betrayal that was coming. He knew the anguish that was imminent, the mock trials, the beatings, and the scourging. Yet, even in this moment of humbling himself as a servant, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. And He washed Judas’ feet!
After Jesus broke the bread and gave thanks, He dismissed Judas saying, “What you do, do quickly.” After taking the bread, Judas left to conclude the prearranged betrayal with the chief priests.
Judas was not present when Jesus blessed and distributed the wine which signified the new covenant of Jesus’ blood that would be shed for the remission of sin since there would be no forgiveness for Judas.
After a long discourse to the disciples on what was about to happen, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and the whole world before going to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. It was while in the garden that the gravity of what He was about to suffer caused Him to cry out, saying, “Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done.” Then an Angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground.
When it was daylight, the barely recognizable Jesus was led to Golgotha to be crucified. Jesus became the Passover Lamb – the Sacrificial Lamb. His blood was shed for the remission of sins of the whole world. Even though it is available to the whole world, His shed blood and forgiveness of sin benefit only those who believe in the Savior. Those who do not believe receive the same consequence that Judas did, since repentance and belief is a prerequisite for forgiveness.
As Jesus hung on the cross, there was a supernatural and eerie darkness that lasted three hours over all the earth, and the earth quaked, and rocks and graves were split open.
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “It is finished!” And He breathed His last.
But Sunday is Coming!