Lesson 1860

(Lesson 1860)(11-23-16) John 11:53-57

"Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him."

In today's lesson we learn that during the days prior to His crucifixion, Jesus stayed in hiding because the Jewish leadership had plans to kill Him.

It is important to note the reason why Jesus had a need to go back into Jerusalem to observe the Passover, knowing that His life was in danger.

Being a Jew Himself, Jesus was bound by God's commandment that every Jew, on the first day of the first month of every year (Hebrew calendar), was to observe the Passover celebration and partake of the Passover meal; "And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." (Exodus 12:14)

It is important to know that what we now refer to as "The Lord's Supper", "The Last Supper", or "Holy Communion" was born out of, and is representative of, the Passover as it was commanded in Exodus. It is also important to note that the commandment applied then, and still applies today, to Jews only. Nowhere in the bible are Gentiles required to observe the Passover.~

NOTE: This topic will be covered in more detail as these lessons continue.