Jesus arrived in Jerusalem at Passover. The Feast of Unleaven Bread lasted for a week, and commemorated the deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. On the night of Passover the first born son in every Egyptian family was killed, but the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites because their doors were smeared with the blood of the lamb to distinguish them. On that night the Israelites left so quickly that, at their last meal, there was no time to bake bread with leaven so they ate unleavened bread.
In Jesus time every male Jew, who was of age and who lived within 15 miles of the holy city, was bound by law to attend the Passover. But it was the dream of every Jew to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. Today when Jews celebrate the Passover they pray that "next year they may keep it in Israel."
The atmosphere of Passover was always inflammable as the city swelled with pilgrims. The Jewish authorities had to figure out a way to arrest Jesus without provoking a riot. Judas betrayal offered them the opportunity they were looking for.
No comments:
Post a Comment