Donald N. Norris

Pesach and Hag HaMatzah – 2019

(Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread)
God’s Appointed Times

We return to God’s Appointed Times from the Tanakh.  Both Pesach (Passover) and Hag HaMatzah are tied to the remembrance of the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.  The principle Scriptural reference for Pesach is in B’midbar (Exodus) 12:1-13 and Hag HaMatzah in Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:5-8.  In 2019, Pesach starts on the eve of April 19th and Hag HaMatzah on the eve of April 20th.   This eight-day remembrance ends at sundown on April 27th.

For Believers in Yeshua, this time can be a great time to reflect not only on the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage and death of the first-born by the shedding of the lamb’s blood on the doorpost; but also on the shed blood of Yeshua on the cross.  His death and resurrection paid for our sins and purchased for us eternal salvation.

I have attached a PDF version of an explanation of the traditional Pesach Seder provided by Chosen People Ministries.  Click here.

However, for those of you who want to have a Scriptural-based observation of Pesach, I highly recommend Kevin Geoffrey’s “Behold the Lamb and Preparation Guide.”  Click here to order.

11 comments

      • I understand, but I have studied the New Testament, and I get the opposite. The Books that deal with that topic are Colossians, Galatians, and Hebrews. The Book of Galatians chapter 5, says it very strong that those who try to please God with the law have abandon the faith. Honestly, we don’t need someone’s book to tells us what the Bible says about any given topic, we have God’s Word in our hands and can see for ourselves. Now, if we are suppose to keep the festivals, show me in the Bible.

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  2. Remember that my ministry was the Jews first and then the Gentiles. Since Yeshua celebrated Pesach, I see nothing wrong with us observing the commemoration of the Exodus. By Scriptual-based I meant according to the Tanakh, not the traditions that have been added to it.

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    • It is not a sin to celebrate any festival, but when you add, it is Scriptural, that becomes a problem. Judaizers were creeping in the churches in the time of Paul and making them abandon grace in favor of works through the law. Jesus kept the law for us so we don’t have to because we would have broken it constantly.

      Remember, that righteousness is solely obtained by Jesus’ righteousness not ours by keeping the law or else we have something to boost about. Donald, you are a teacher of Scripture, this is not new news to you. You know full well what the N.T. says concerning the law. I’m taking the time to talk with you because I care about you and I know you love the Lord. Please, read Colossians 2, the whole chapter.

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      • Alex, you should know by now that I am NOT a Judaizer. Commemorating the Passover does not been that you are keeping the law. Even modern Jewish Passover celebrations are not in line with Scripture, thus the reference to Kevin’s work. My wife and I will be driving 50 miles tomorrow to celebrate with Marty Goetz, a prominent Messianic Jewish Believer at a Baptist Church.

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      • I never said that you are Judaizer but my concern was when you alluded that it is Scriptural for celebrating a festival. Remember, Don, you and I are responsible for what we write and how people take in what we say. We have to be very careful because the last thing you and I want to do is to misguide an individual. To celebrate ANY festival is not a sin, I think it is a great thing, but we cannot say that Scripture supports that because we are saying indirectly that one has to now observe it. The festivals in the O.T. was for the Jews to recognize their Messiah and the significance of His death on the cross. We can celebrate any holiday but if we tell people they have to do it then that would be drifting away from N.T. teachings. I hope you enjoy your celebration with your friend and that God may keep you and your family safe as you travel.

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  3. Don, I appreciate this information here. For those who want to observe some of the celebrations from that time, it is great. We don’t, because…well we just have not; although it might be interesting and a good method of remembrance.

    I think this is legitimately an area where Christian freedom comes into play. If you were here trying to make the case that these observations were necessary for a believer, or that in any way they imparted grace upon the believer, I would call you on it in a heartbeat. There are religions that teach sacramental grace, and that is heresy clear and simple. I see no indications you are teaching that at all.

    I also understand your intent by offering a Scriptural method for these observations. You don’t seem to be saying that they are somehow Scriptural in the sense that they are mandated, but only that if we choose to observe them, then there is actually a Scriptural method for doing so.

    Keep up the good work, and thanks for the info.

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