Lecture Notes: Understanding Passover and Its Prophetic Significance

Overview

• Speaker: Jim Staley, Passion for Truth Ministries
• Main Topic: The global movement of Christians returning to the ancient feast of Passover, and its prophetic and spiritual significance.

Introduction

• A revival is happening where Christians are moving back to ancient roots, focusing on the Hebrew origins of their faith.
• This movement is driven by a desire to align with biblical traditions over Roman-influenced customs.

The Biblical Calendar

• Passover: Represents the time when Christ died.
• Unleavened Bread: Time when Christ was in the grave, symbolizing purification from sin.
• First Fruits: Marks Christ’s resurrection.
• Pentecost (Shavuot): The descent of the Holy Spirit.
• Spring feasts represent Christ’s first coming; Fall feasts foreshadow His second coming.

Fall Feast Days

• Feast of Trumpets (Yamurua): Symbolizes the crowning of kings and the eventual acknowledgment of Christ as King.
• Day of Atonement (Yam Kippur): Represents forgiveness and atonement.
• Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Linked to the birth of Christ and the end-time gathering.

Passover: A Biblical Feast for All

• Misconception that Passover is solely a Jewish tradition; it is a biblical feast for all believers.
• Evidence from Leviticus and Exodus that the feast days are God’s, not just Jewish.

New Testament References

• Paul encouraged Gentile Christians to observe Passover in 1 Corinthians.
• Historical observance of Passover before Roman changes.

Shift to Easter

• Historical context of the change from Passover to Easter during the Roman church’s rise.
• Council of Nicea's role in shifting the celebration.

The Last Supper and Passover

• Last Supper was a Passover meal; Jesus instructed to "do this in remembrance of me."
• Symbolic connection between the original Passover in Egypt and Christ’s sacrifice.

Understanding the Passover Events

• Exodus 12: Introduction to Passover; blood of the lamb as a sign of salvation.
• Prophetic Significance: Jesus as the Passover lamb, fulfilling the symbolism.

The Crucifixion Timeline

• Debated days of crucifixion; argument for a Thursday crucifixion based on Jewish high Sabbaths.
• Solves the "three days and three nights" puzzle.

Covenant Symbolism

• Blood on the doorposts signified a covenant; stepping over the threshold showed acceptance.
• Hebrews 10:29 links to threshold covenants, emphasizing respect for the blood of Christ.

Kinsman Redeemer

• Concept of kinsman redeemer in Torah; Jesus as kin to Adam, fulfilling redemption requirements.

Prophetic Imagery

• Leviticus 14: Cleansing of lepers as a prophetic picture of salvation and cleansing through Christ’s sacrifice.
• The ritual of two birds as symbolic of Christ’s death and our subsequent freedom.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to observe Passover and incorporate its rich symbolism into Christian practice.
• An invitation to learn more through available resources and community engagement.

Call to Action

• Invitation to download resources to help celebrate a Christian Passover Seder.
• Encouragement to transition from the Roman calendar to the biblical Hebrew calendar.

Final Thoughts

• Revival is ongoing; Passover as a transformative practice for believers.
• Call to share the message and support the ministry’s mission.