For hundreds of years, under the Old Covenant, Jews would gather to celebrate Passover. This special meal and ritual, established by God in the Torah, commemorate the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. When God's judgment fell on the land of Egypt, Israel was spared from death, protected by the blood of a sacrificed lamb. This blood served as a sign for those under His covenant, covering them when God's wrath passed over their homes. In the New Testament, the Book of Hebrews clarifies that God does not delight in sacrifices or burnt offerings, and the apostles show us that the laws, rituals, and signs of the Old Testament were mere foreshadows of better things to come, with Christ being the fulfillment of these prophesies. The Bible states that "Under the law (Old Covenant) almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. ([Hebrews 9:22](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/HEB.9.22))" However, it also asserts that "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/HEB.10.4))." This sacrifice system was imperfect, signaling the need for a new way to stand before God. The prophets of Israel anticipated the day when God would inscribe His law in their hearts and forgive sins under a new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:34](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JER.31.34)). This New Covenant was established through Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus, the Word of God made flesh and blood, became the final sacrifice and Passover lamb to atone for our sins before a Holy God. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would bear our sins: > [!bible]+ [Isaiah 53:4-6 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/23/53/) > 4. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned — every one — to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. %% #Isaiah %% Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples every year as required by the law. But it was the final Passover before His death, that Jesus instituted a new ritual and sign that would take its place for His new covenant. He broke bread to symbolize His body broken on the cross, and drank from the cup to symbolize His blood shed for our forgiveness ([Matthew 26:26-28](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.26.26-28); [1 Corinthians 11:23-24](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1CO.11.23-24)). Jesus promised to spare us from eternal death and cover our sins with His own blood. He broke His body and poured Himself out so that, if we believe, we can enjoy eternal life with Him. As followers of Christ, join us as we break bread and drink wine in remembrance of Him. > [!bible]+ [Luke 22:19-20 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/42/22/) > 19. And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. %% #Luke %%