The Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Unleavened Bread originated in the time of the Exodus. And it has an important meaning connected to Christ.
Following God’s instructions, the Israelites celebrated the Passover and not only were protected from the plague of the death of the firstborn, but they also escaped from slavery in Egypt.
The Israelites quickly fled Egypt, taking their dough before adding yeast to it—which is why they only had unleavened bread to eat. However, after letting the Israelites go, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. Terrified, the Israelites cried out to God. And God then parted the Red Sea for them to escape.
God appointed the day after the Passover as an annual feast for the Israelites to remember their suffering by eating unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
“On the fifteenth day of that month the Lord’s Festival of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. For seven days present a food offering to the Lord. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.”
The Feast of Unleavened Bread actually revealed that Christ would suffer on the cross after celebrating the Passover (Mk 2:18–22).
“‘But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.’”
Mark 2:20
Today, the World Mission Society Church of God observes this Feast a day after the Passover. And we participate in Christ’s suffering by fasting. By keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we commemorate Christ’s sacrifice to save us and are also given the strength to overcome all things.
