Founder’s Blog
The Church Next Door
The Church next door to our office is today commemorating Palm Sunday. The Gospels record this as the day that the Master arrived in Jerusalem, prior to Pesach (Passover). This time marked the beginning of His suffering, death, and resurrection. This season should be solemn, reflective and filled with gratitude on our Messianic calendars. The point of this note is not to drive any particular calendar agenda, so let's not get hung up various calendar reckonings and chronological discrepancies--let us all engage this week with great anticipation and a spirit of gratitude.
- Today (Nisan 11): The Master returns to Jerusalem, curses fig tree and cleanses Temple (Matthew 21:10-19)
- Monday (Nisan 12): The Master leaves Jerusalem at evening, returns in the morning, teaches in the Temple and on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 21:17-26:2).
- Tuesday (Nisan 13): Leaven is removed from houses at evening (Exodus 12:15). The Master celebrates the Seder early with his disciples and then is arrested (Matthew 26:17-68).
- Wednesday Morning (Nisan 14): The Master is crucified (Matthew 26:57-27:61), Passover lambs are slaughtered (Exodus 12:6, Deuteronomy 16:6). [Birkat HaChammah], and Ta'anit Bekhorim (Fast of the Firstborn) leads into Wednesday Night: 1st Seder.
- Thursday (Nisan 15): Passover 1. Barley sheaves are harvested in the evening (Leviticus 23:3). The Master resurrects in the evening (possible date), the Israelites left Egypt (Exodus 12:28-51). Thursday Night: Omer day 1. (Traditional 2nd Seder)
- Friday (Nisan 16): Preparation for weekly Shabbat. Barley sheaves are waved in the Temple (Leviticus 23:10-11), and the Master appears to disciples (possible date).
As we honor another Pesach, the memorial of our Exodus, I pray that we do not forget that our redemption came with expectations--that we would lead lives of holiness.
As the culture of godlessness continues to expand, it is time for each of us to ramp up our own passion for holiness and truth. Passover is a great time to clean out the old leaven and re-dedicate our lives to discipleship and faithfulness. Engage this season with the intent of a personal exodus, encountering God, and living a sanctified life.
May your Passover be kosher, full of tears and joy, and one that is centered on our Messianic hope.
The Staff at First Fruits of Zion
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