What is the Difference Between Passover and Last Supper?

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Passover and the Last Supper are two distinct events with different meanings and significance. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Passover: Passover is a Jewish religious festival that commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It involves a special meal called the Seder, featuring unleavened bread and other food items symbolic of various aspects of the exodus. Passover is an important event in Judaism and is celebrated annually.
  2. Last Supper: The Last Supper was the last meal Jesus Christ had with his 12 apostles before his crucifixion. It is believed by many that the Last Supper was a Passover Seder meal. During this meal, Jesus taught his disciples that the wine and the bread signified that he would become the sacrificial lamb, by which sins are forgiven and reconciliation with God can occur. The Last Supper is a significant event in Christianity and is remembered and celebrated in various ways, such as through the Eucharist or Communion.

While there are similarities between Passover and the Last Supper, they are separate events with different meanings and purposes. Passover is a Jewish festival commemorating the exodus from Egypt, while the Last Supper is a Christian event marking Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the establishment of the New Covenant.

Comparative Table: Passover vs Last Supper

Here is a table comparing the differences between Passover and the Last Supper:

Passover Last Supper
A Jewish festival celebrating the exodus from Egypt and the Israelites' freedom from slavery The last meal Jesus had with his 12 apostles, after sacrificing a lamb in the morning and then consuming it with bread and wine in the evening
Involves a special meal called the Seder, featuring unleavened bread and other food items symbolic of various aspects of the exodus Jesus used the Last Supper to imbue the Passover with new meaning, institute the New Covenant, establish an ordinance for the church, and foretell Peter's denial of Him and Judas Iscariot's betrayal
Observed on the 14th day of the month of Nisan The Last Supper was a fellowship meal on the Preparation day of Passover
The Last Supper was not a Passover Seder, but it was still a Passover meal (Luke 22:15)

There are differing views on whether the Last Supper was a Passover meal or not. Some believe that it was a Passover meal, while others argue that it was a separate event with distinct meanings and observations.