Passover - Messianic Hebraic Perspective
Before we review Pesach in the fullness of Mashiach Yeshua it is very important to note that the sacrificial offering of Yeshua is by no means limited to the Pesach Mo’ed. Most assuredly the singular sacrifice of Yeshua is integral to other Mo’adim (Yom Kippur as an example) and aspects of G_D’s great plan for restoration. Despite this reality it is the objective herein to remain focused upon the specific Mo’ed of Pesach since our objective herein is to review the individual Mo’adim within the context of the patterns established in Holy Scripture exposed herein previously. As such we will remain careful not to jump forward with our Messianic perspective but stay within the boundaries associated with the Pesach Mo’ed.
He is also called "the dragon," "the old serpent" (Rev. 12:9; 20:2); "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30); "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2); "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4); "Beelzebub, the prince of the devils" (Matthew 12:24).
His power is very great in the world. He is a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Men are said to be "taken captive by him" (2 Tim. 2:26); "the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2); Believers are warned against his "devices" (2 Cor. 2:11), and called on to "resist" him (James 4:7).
He is "the constant enemy of G_D, of Mashiach, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of YESHUA, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way."
Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And says unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then says Yeshua unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shall worship the LORD thy G_D, and him only shall thou serve. (Matthew 4:8-10)
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For the wrath of G_D is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of G_D is manifest in them; for G_D hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and G_D-head; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew G_D, they glorified him not as G_D, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible G_D into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. … Wherefore G_D also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of G_D into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this cause G_D gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain G_D in their knowledge, G_D gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of G_D, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of G_D, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:18-32)
Now we know that what things so ever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and the entire world may become guilty before G_D. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin! … But now the righteousness of G_D without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of G_D which is by faith of Yeshua Mashiach unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of G_D; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Mashiach Yeshua: Whom G_D hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of G_D; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Yeshua. …. Seeing it is one G_D, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? G_D forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Romans 3:19-31)
Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom G_D imputes righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin. (Romans: 4:6-8)
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? G_D forbid! But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:12-14)
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And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Yeshua to Jerusalem, to present him to the LORD; (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD) … And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served G_D with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the LORD, and spoke of Yeshua to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the LORD, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. (Gospel of Luke 2:22-39)
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. (Gospel of Matthew 2:13-15)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with G_D, and the Word was G_D. The same was in the beginning with G_D. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. … There was a man sent from G_D, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of G_D, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of G_D. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Gospel of John 1:6-14)
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Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him, he shall make the right to go forth to the nations. … I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and have taken hold of thy hand, and kept thee, and set thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the nations; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house. I am the LORD, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. (Isaiah 42:1-9)
And it came to pass, when Yeshua had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Mashiach, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Yeshua answered and said unto them, go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Gospel of Matthew 11:1-6)
And Yeshua said, for judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, are we blind also? Yeshua said unto them, if ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, we see; therefore your sin remains. (Gospel of John 9:39-41)
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No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve G_D and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (Gospel of Matthew 6:24-25)
Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said; this fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Yeshua knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of G_D, then the kingdom of G_D is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad. (Gospel of Matthew 12:22-30)
Then Yeshua went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying; Send her away; for she cries after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said … It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Yeshua answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Gospel of Matthew 15:21-28)
Then Yeshua sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying; declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, he that sows the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sows them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Gospel of Matthew 13:36-43)
Matthew: But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. … Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. … Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous and say, if we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye are witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill you up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? … Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous bloodshed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto thee, how often I would have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD. (Gospel of Matthew 23:13-38)
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For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 10:45)
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For G_D so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For G_D sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (redeemed). (Gospel of John 3:14-17)
Then cried Yeshua in the temple as he taught, saying; ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. And many of the people believed on him, and said; when Mashiach comes will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? (Gospel of John 7:28-31)
And Yeshua answered them, saying, the hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by and heard it said that it thundered: others said an angel spoke to him. Yeshua answered and said; this voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. (Gospel of John 12:23-33)
Now before the feast of the Passover, when Yeshua knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (John 13:1)
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Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with G_D. (1Corinthians 7:23-24)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of G_D: And if children, then heirs; heirs of G_D, and joint-heirs with Mashiach; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:15-17)
And as Isaiah said before, except the LORD of Sabbath had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah. Romans 9:29)
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, G_D hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son then an heir of G_D through Mashiach. (Galatians 4:5-7)
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the community will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which G_D hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (Hebrews: 2:12-16)
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible G_D, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians: 1:12-17)
And from Yeshua Mashiach, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto G_D and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of G_D, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto G_D, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of G_D. (Romans 12:1-2)
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18)
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Because a decent amount of effort in reviewing Pesach within its original Hebraic context was undertaken previously … essentially utilizing no B’rit Chadasha materials or understanding, it would seem most reasonable to approach the Messianic perspective within the auspices of the aforementioned traditional Hebraic framework:
The redemption represents G_D separating his chosen people from the authority of imperial Egypt;
The redemption represents G_D not just freeing the chosen people from Egypt but saving them from extinction;
The redemption represents G_D claiming familial rights … via adoption of the seed of Israel;
The redemption represents G_D himself exercising supreme authority over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt;
The redemption represents G_D passing judgment upon all Egypt;
The redemption represents G_D himself paying the redemption price for those Israelites exercising faith in him;
The redemption represents G_D declaring victory over the adversary;
The redemption represents G_D keeping faith to the Everlasting Covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob;
The redemption represents G_D providing Israel the right of approach with respects to the Holy Service … the Mishkan … G_D’s dwelling place for purposes of relationship;
The redemption represents G_D beginning the process wherein his chosen people will be forged into a unique nation with a unique relationship bound to him alone
As we contemplate the established Hebraic perspective and do so in light of the selected B’rit Chadasha revelations it should be intuitively obvious that Yeshua HaMashiach and the inspired Talmidim (disciples) were acutely aware of the “redemption dynamic” and they were clearly aware:
Of what kind of bondage Israel and all humanity was subjected to; the bondage of being born under the seed of rebellion and incapable of being lawful … a slave to past sins;
That hasatan is the power that subjugates Israel and all nations;
That redemption (freedom) was needed; redemption from rebellion and past sins keeping us from adoption into the seed of G_D;
That the entire creation is under G_D’s judgment;
That the redemption price was Mashiach Yeshua himself; the lamb of G_D;
That the redemption objective was the adoption of Israel into the “seed of G_D” so that man could be lawful;
That the results of redemption is to be the establishment of G_D’s kingdom which is to stand in opposition to the kingdom of hasatan for purposes of separation, judgment and ultimately restoration;
That adoption into the kingdom was to result in a personal relationship between an individual and G_D defined within the auspices of the Holy Service;
That Pesach was Yeshua’s appointed time … the time he was to be offered up … the time that redemption/adoption was declared … the time that Yeshua took back parental authority.
Ultimately then we can state without any doubts at all that the B’rit Chadasha conforms thoroughly and consistently with the Hebraic perspective with respects to redemption and of course redemption within the auspices of the Pesach Mo’ed. But … we can also readily see how the Messianic perspective clearly reveals G_D’s plan in a much broader perspective than what was originally revealed within the Tanakh and the first Pesach Festival.
There should be no doubts whatsoever that the B’rit Chadasha revelations represent a tremendously enriched perspective of G_D’s redemptive plan not just for Israel but also for the nations and therefore all humanity. Assuredly the believers of Yeshua understood this expansion of the Everlasting Covenant … in a Hebraic context. Assuredly believers of Yeshua have no problems with the B’rit Chadasha understanding of Mashiach’s mission with respects to redemption.
But how do we know that this will and purpose of G_D, as declared within the B’rit Chadasha is not simply a superimposed view of Yeshua and his followers? Essentially we need to answer the challenges that can be and are raised with regards to “how do we know this is what G_D planned?”
Naturally our first witness comes from the Gospels and not the inspired teachings handed down after Yeshua’s earthy life and ministry. Clearly the record of Yeshua’s words/revelation during his life and ministry spoke of these matters prior to the events of “the Pesach” and his glorious redemptive works. Clearly all of these prophetic portents revealed by Yeshua would have been rendered moot if the actual historical record of events did not support what Yeshua revealed. As we know the historical record did serve to witness to Yeshua.
But assuredly if the initial Pesach redemption was not sufficient for Israel … and in effect served only as a promise of a better more permanent redemption to come … where is the record then of such matters within the Tanakh to support this reality?
Once again let us go to the Tanakh and review the revelations with respects to Mashiach’s Earthly mission:
Bring good tidings unto the humble (Isa. 61:1; Nah. 2:1)
Bind up the broken-hearted (Isa. 61:1)
Comfort those that mourn (Isa. 61:1)
Open the of the eyes to them that are blind (Isa. 61:1; Isa. 35:5)
Open the ears of the deaf (Isa. 35:5)
Free the tongue of the dumb (Isa. 35:5)
Heal the lame (Isa. 35:5)
Free the captives/possessed/unclean/infirmed/dead (Isa. 61:1)
Strengthen the weak and fearful (Isa. 35:3)
Proclaim Jubilee (Isa. 61:1; Isa. 35:3)
Disavow the curse of Israel's covenant with death (Isa. 28:16)
Serve as the foundation stone for the renewed covenant (Isa. 28:16; Mal. 3:1; Jer. 31:30-33; Psa. 118:22)
Guarantee the seed of Israel forever (Jer. 31:36; Isa. 49:5-6)
Bless all the families of the Earth (Isa. 49:6; Gen. 22:18; Gen 28:14)
Proclaim judgment upon those without faith in HIM (Isa. 28:22; Isa. 40:10; Deut. 18:19)
And before we make comment with regards to Mashiach’s mission as prophesied within the Tanakh let us also see what the Tanakh reveals with respects to the personal pointers regarding Mashiach:
Born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:1)
Descended from the stock of Jesse (Isa. 1:1-2)
Descended from the line of King David (Jer. 23:5; 2 Sam. 7:12-16)
Miraculously birthed of a virgin girl (Isa. 7:14)
Honored and Blessed by Kings bearing gifts (Psa. 72:10-11)
Foreshadowed by the messenger … a voice in the wilderness … having a spirit of Elijah (Mal. 3:1; Mal. 3:23; Isa. 58)
Imbued with unmeasured Spirit of G_D (Isa. 42:1; Isa. 61:1)
A loving delight to the soul of G_D MOST HIGH (Isa. 42:1)
Humble, meek, merciful and loving (Isa. 42:2-3)
A most wondrous healer of ailments and torments (Isa. 35:5-6; Isa. 61:1)
Ridden into Jerusalem triumphantly … victoriously but lowly in humility upon a donkey (Zech. 9:9)
Rejected by the leaders of Israel (Psa. 118:22-23)
Betrayed by his own people (Psa. 41:6-10)
Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver out of the Temple treasury (Zech. 11:12-13)
Alienated from HIS people (Psa. 69:9)
Abandoned when HE as the shepherd is smitten (Zech. 13:7)
Beaten, spat upon and shamed by HIS tormentors (Isa. 50:5-7)
Tested by HIS tormentors (Psa. 22:8-9)
A reproach … despised of the people (Psa. 22:7-9; Isa. 53:3; Psa. 69:20)
Allowed to suffer without rescue (Psa. 22:2-3; Isa. 53:4-5)
Robbed of HIS garments by way of the casting of lots (Psa. 22:19)
Allowed to be offered up for slaughter (Isa. 53:7-8; Dan. 9:26)
Sacrificed for Isra