Book of Luke - Chapter 22 - Verse 1
Meaning
During the time of the Jewish Passover, the feast of unleavened bread was celebrated. This feast, known as the Passover, holds significant religious and historical meaning for the Jewish people. It commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus. The unleavened bread is a symbol of haste, as the Israelites did not have time to let their bread rise before fleeing Egypt. The Passover is a time of reflection, remembrance, and celebration for the Jewish community. It is a time to honor their ancestors' journey to freedom and to reaffirm their faith in God's deliverance. The verse sets the stage for the importance and solemnity of the upcoming Passover feast, highlighting its central role in Jewish tradition and history.
Theological Overview
The verse "Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover" from the Gospel of Luke holds significant theological implications related to the Jewish traditions and the foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasted seven days, was celebrated in conjunction with the Passover in the Jewish calendar. The removal of leaven symbolized the removal of sin from one's life, as leaven was often associated with impurity. The Passover, on the other hand, commemorated the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, when the blood of the lamb protected them from the Angel of Death. In a theological sense, this verse points towards Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice would free humanity from the bondage of sin. By celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover, Jesus was not only partaking in Jewish customs but also fulfilling them through His impending sacrifice on the cross.