One of 3 major annual feasts all Jewish males are required to "appear before the Lord" (at the Temple in Temple times). Allowed to depart the following a.m.

Observed beginning the evening of the 14th day of the first month (Abid or Nisan, our April).

Observed on the 14th of the following month (Ziv) for those unable to keep the original.

No distinction is made between the Jew or Gentile for observing. (A type of the future Supper. Study this passage for further related truths. It is rich.)

A Paschal Lamb is slain between the 9th & 11th hour (mid-evening, our 3-5 p.m.), roasted, and eaten in haste, with bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and wine mixed with water. (Blood from the lamb was applied to the lintels and all within were safe from the death angel who would pass over that house to slay the firstborn of each unprotected [Egyptians]).

All leavened items (Hametz in Hebrew) are removed from one's home. (To eat Hametz food resulted in excommunication. Leftovers were to be burned.) Removal of Hametz begins several weeks early, and consists of a thorough house cleaning (hence, our spring cleaning). This unknowingly proved healthful for the Jew, preventing their experiencing diseases other nationalities contracted. Anything not of singular purity (not a composite of materials or substances) is removed from the household or locked away. On the night of the 13th, the head of household makes a thorough search of the house for any remaining Hametz, and offers:

Study this act in preparation of the meal with the removal of Judas from the twelve before institution of the new meal. See related scriptures: Lk.12:1-10; Jn.6:70-71; 13:2,21,26-27,30; I Co.5, key vs.6-8.
A major spiritual truth should not be missed here! Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you.

A special Order has evolved today called, SEDAR, and a guidebook has been written, the HAGGADAH. The Exodus Story is recounted as rituals are performed, e.g., the opening of the door to see if Elijah the Prophet has finally arrived bringing the long-awaited Messiah.

Although the Passover is still today a major event among all Jews the world over, only the Samaritans include the Paschal Lamb as part of the ceremony. (See above notes in Ch.4 on "Samaritans.")

The time has now advanced from the previous Sabbath supper in Bethany, followed by the Palm Sunday Triumphal Entry, to the evening of the Passover meal, Thursday evening, 14th Nisan. On that excited Sunday, the clamor of the crowd was cheering Him as their new heralded king, but a different crowd will soon be incited, chanting for His death in a few short hours. ( 19:15)

Finally, John allows Jesus' own words for summary of His coming and purpose, as seen in our previous study:

As He and His disciples enter the upperroom on the eve of that tragic yet triumphal day (His crucifixion), John shows us what the Synoptists don't, and excludes what they show -- the washing of feet and the Lord's Supper, respectively.

Luke gives us the reason for Jesus' act of humility for service. The disciples are expecting a high position in the Messianic Kingdom they thought and hoped He was about to establish. Their thoughts were transcending the menial tasks of a lowly servant, to at last sitting in rule over all others. Jesus must now purge them of this pride and misconception, to enable them for the position they must accept to participate in His new spiritual kingdom. They will come to understand this slowly through their own experiences. Their lives will be no less in like-service as His while He walked among them, coming not to be served Himself, but to serve others. Peter will echo this lesson later in life now burned into his heart with this lowly scene! It is a lesson that must be learned well and by all who will call Him Lord, even today by prideful "self-made" 21st century intellectual man.