Sermon Recap

•    Pastor Suzanne talked about the multiple things to see in the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. She invited us to look at the story and see the connection to the Jewish celebration of Passover. 

•    John makes intentionally adds details to his gospel that help us see the connection to Passover. (See image below) 

•    Suzanne emphasized that in the Passover celebration, the sacrificial lamb was not being punished for something. The lamb was a sign that God came to be with his people and deliver them, and the lamb then became the meal for the community to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance together. 

•    “The cross doesn’t tell the story of a God hating humanity because of our sin; it’s about God hating sin because it hurts humanity. It’s not about defeating evil humans; it’s about defeating the evil that hurts humans.” - Zach Lambert

Reflection Questions

•    What have you been taught is the primary reason and meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross? Why did Jesus die?

•    What is different if you look at this story through the lens of the Passover?

•    How might viewing Holy Week as a call back to the story of the Exodus expand your understanding of what God did in Jesus’ death and resurrection?

•    Where do you need deliverance right now? Ask God to meet you there in this Holy Week to help you fully experience the rescue and freedom that comes in our celebration of Easter. 

Below is a quick recap explainer video about the Passover that gives a little more insight into the meaning of the name of this holiday.