Many countries have unique ways to welcome in a new year. Thai people splash water at one another as part of a ritual cleansing. Some Chileans go to cemeteries and sleep near the graves of deceased loved ones. And Estonians participate in feasting a total of seven times on New Year’s Day, symbolizing hoped-for abundance in the months to come.
Jews now celebrate their civil new year with the Feast of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah (Leviticus 23:23-25). But according to the Torah, Passover is their sacred new year (Exodus 12:2). The Passover meal, a family meal (Exodus 12:3-4), commemorates God’s deliverance from the bondage of slavery to live freely as His people.
Hours before He was crucified, Jesus ate a Passover meal with His disciples (Luke 22:7-18). But He turned the ancient meal into something new, revealing its deepest significance. Breaking the bread, Jesus explained, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” As He shared the wine, He said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you” (Luke 22:19-20).
As the true Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:21-23; Hebrews 9:14,22), Jesus fulfilled what the ceremony pointed to. He was the perfect sacrifice that cleanses from sin and gives believers full access to God (Hebrews 9:27-28, 10:12-13).
Believers take part in the Lord’s Supper (communion) as a means of thanking and worshiping Christ, lovingly remembering and experiencing the reality of His sacrifice for us. As God’s family, it’s our privilege and joy to share this meal in fellowship with other believers (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).