Jesus accepts this as he knows it is God’s plan for him. This shows that Jesus is fully aware of what will happen to him – that he will be arrested and put to death. Judas has already made arrangements with the Jewish leaders to do this for 30 silver coins. Jesus was born and brought up Jewish, so it is natural that he should want to remember this festival with his disciples.ĭuring the meal, Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray him to the authorities. Jesus has made arrangements in advance to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. Its colour and texture are meant to recall mortar, and therefore to act as a reminder of the work of the Israelite slaves who made bricks out of mud. Haroset – a paste of apples, nuts and cinnamon.Lamb bone - a reminder of the lamb that was sacrificed so that people's door frames could be marked with blood.Bitter herbs - a reminder of the bitterness of slavery.Wine - four glasses are drunk during the telling of the Exodus story to remind the Jews of God’s promises to his people.It reminds Jewish people that when their ancestors left Egypt they did so in a hurry and did not have time to prepare bread in the usual way. Unleavened bread - this is flat bread baked without yeast.There are a number of symbolic foods which are present on the table or tasted. The main focus of the festival is a special meal, where the whole family will gather to hear the story of their ancestors’ deliverance from slavery. It remembers the Exodus – how God rescued the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt The Jewish Passover festival is celebrated annually during the month of Nisan (in the spring).
The Last Supper of Christ by Girolamo da Santacroce (16th century) Background