A Passover Marriage Proposal?

By Joseph Gray, Canadian Director

On the first evening of the Passover Festival (first two nights outside of Israel) Jewish people gather in their homes to celebrate the Passover Seder. This gathering has its roots in the ritual meal commanded by God in Exodus 12 and 13. In each generation Jewish people participate in the miracle of redemption from bondage in Egypt, through the tastes, sounds, songs, story and symbols shared at the Passover Seder. It is as if we ourselves are reliving the redemption from Egypt (Exodus 13:8).

In addition to the key symbols of the matzo (unleavened bread) and the roasted shank bone (symbolic of the Passover Lamb and sacrifice), there are many other symbols, ritual dippings and tastings which help us to relive the exodus event in every generation at Passover. Among those beautiful and rich Passover traditions are the four cups of wine that are blessed and drunk during the Passover Seder.

There are a number of marvelous rabbinic interpretations regarding the meaning of the four cups of wine. One of these traditions ties the four cups to the four “I will” promises made by God to Israel in Exodus 6:6-7. “I will bring you out.” “I will deliver you.” “I will redeem you.” “I will make you my own.”

As Messianic believers in Yeshua (Jesus), we recognize that it is the third cup, the Cup of Redemption traditionally blessed and drunk after the meal, that holds particular significance to our faith. It was most likely this cup that Yeshua lifted, blessed and said to His talmidim (disciples), “Take and drink. This is my blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27-28).

Interestingly, there is a fifth “I will” promise made by God to Israel in Exodus 6:8. "I will bring you into the Land.” This is a promise rich in both prophetic and messianic hope. If one understands and interprets God’s fourth promise, “I will take you as my own,” in the apparent marriage betrothal language it represents (God is proposing to His “beloved” Israel), then the full picture of this beautiful redemption event begins to emerge.

Yeshua, our beautiful bridegroom, has shed His own blood to redeem His “beloved” Israel and those from every tribe and nation who have been grafted into His covenant people by grace through faith. In accordance with the custom of the ancient Jewish bridegroom, Yeshua tells His beloved bride, “I go to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me” (John 14:3).

Yeshua, our Passover Lamb and beautiful bridegroom, is coming back for His bride. At Passover we celebrate, not only the past remembrance of redemption from bondage in Egypt, but we look forward with great hope and anticipation to the coming joyful wedding feast of the Lamb (Hosea 2:19, Revelation 19:9).

Chag Sameach! Have a joyous Passover!

PS: Chosen People Ministries is holding a Passover Seder banquet on Saturday, April 26 (11:30 am - 4:00 pm) and we'd love you to join us! Tickets are $35 each (advance purchase required). Everyone is welcome. Call us at 416-250-0177 to reserve your seat.