Most of this tradition was fully developed before the first century. It is not surprising to see numerous references to Passover in the New Covenant. Passover is mentioned in the Gospel accounts (see Luke 2:41 and John 5:1, 6:4), as well as the book of Acts (see Acts 12:3–4). By far the most famous account is the last Passover celebrated by Yeshua and his Jewish disciples in an upper room (Matthew 26 and Luke 22). In these passages one sees the traditions of the first century, and some spiritual lessons taught by the Messiah.

Among the traditional items mentioned are the lamb (Luke 22:8), bitter herbs (Matthew 26:23), the washings (John 13:1–15), the four cups of wine (Matthew 26 and Luke 22) and matzah (Matthew 26:26). The lamb reminds one of the means of redemption, the blood of the sacrifice. In this case, Messiah became our Pesach (John 1:29). The bitter herbs speak of terrible bondage to an oppressor. Not surprisingly, it was in the bowl of bitter herbs that Judas, a man who came to a bitter end, dipped his matzah. The hand and foot washings typify the need for cleansing before approaching a holy God.

Each of the four cups of wine teaches an important lesson. According to ancient rabbis, these four cups are based on the four promises given to the children of Israel in Exodus 6:6–7:

Therefore, say to the Israelites, “I am the Lord and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptian. I will free you from being slaves to them and will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God...

The Cup of Sanctification appears at the start of the Seder. How appropriate to sanctify, or set apart, this service as special to the Lord. The second cup is known as the Cup of Praise (sometimes called the Cup of Plagues) because we must praise the Holy One who has done such great things. The third Cup, the Cup of Redemption, was designated by Messiah Yeshua as a special memorial through all generations. It was once a memorial cup of physical redemption for the Jews from Egypt. For believers in Yeshua this cup symbolizes the spiritual redemption found in Messiah’s sacrifice.

How often one should celebrate the “Lord’s supper” has been debated. The key phrase for understanding the answer is contained in I Corinthians 11:26: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.”

Some churches interpret this to mean as often as you drink a ceremonial cup. That could be every Sunday, once a month or any other designated time of celebration. My personal view is that the most natural interpretation from the context is to partake of the cup every Passover. The emphasis, according to this view, should be on the phrase “do this,” meaning the unleavened bread and third cup of Passover.

Our messianic congregation celebrates the Lord’s supper every year at our Passover seder. This cup may be celebrated more often; but there is not a more appropriate time to celebrate the message of redemption than at the feast of redemption.