‘Christ in the Passover’ — A Jews for Jesus presentation

Ada — What do the Jewish Passover and Jesus’ Last Supper have in common? Alan Bond, speaking on behalf of Jews for Jesus, will answer that question in a presentation called “Christ in the Passover” at Victory Life Fellowship, 1001 Tipton Terrace, on Palm Sunday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m.

Using a visual display of traditional Passover accouterments, the “Christ in the Passover,” presentation enhances the Christian’s understanding and appreciation of the Jewish background of the Christian Communion. Ancient and modern Jewish customs are discussed and described with an emphasis on the aspect of redemption of Christ accomplished at Calvary.

A table is set with the traditional Jewish Passover items, including repetitive foods which are explained, but not eaten. The ceremonial seder plate, the three-compartment pouch in which the matzo (unleavened bread) is kept, as well as the traditional cup of Elijah are presented and new insights to their Christological significance are provided.

Jews for Jesus has presented this demonstration in more than five thousand churches. It was originally written in 1956 by Moishe Rosen, the founder and former executive director of Jews for Jesus. The presentation was abstracted from the writings of the late Rabbi Leopold Cohn, who came to faith in Jesus in 1894 and died in 1936.

Dr. Rosen contends that some of the most important elements of Christian doctrine, such as the Trinity, the principle of substitutionary atonement and salvation through a personal relationship with the Messiah, are implied in the Seder (Passover feast) as observed by Orthodox Jews even today. “The Christ in the Passover presentation is one way Jews for Jesus can help churches appreciate the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.”

“Though our primary ministry is to those who do not yet believe in Jesus,” said Rosen. Jews for Jesus is an evangelistic agency best known for creative methods and materials. Their literature deals with contemporary themes including anything from current films to chemical waste. “Broadsides” use humor and clever illustrations yet have a serious message: namely, that Jesus is the promised Messiah for both Jews and Gentiles.

Jews for Jesus also communicates through original Jewish gospel music and drama which is presented by mobile teams such as the Liberated Wailing wall. The organization has permanent branches in seven North American cities (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Washington, D.C. and South Florida) as well as over 70 chapters spanning some 30 states. The group’s international branches are headquartered in Johannesburg, Buenos Aires, London, Paris, Odessa, Moscow and Tel Aviv, and developing work in Germany and Australia.

“Our message is not new, but we’re telling it in a new way,” Rosen said. “For too long the Jewish roots of Christianity have been forgotten.” In keeping with the Jewish context of Christianity, he and his wife have co-authored a book titled Christ in the Passover. As with the presentation at Victory Life Fellowship, this book focuses on Passover to demonstrate the continuity of the Old and New Testament scriptures. Jews for Jesus has also published a colorful illustrated edition of amessianic haggadah in paperback and a hard-bound edition. This service book enables Christians to experience a traditional Passover celebration (complete with songs) while also expressing their faith in Jesus.

David Brickner, who has served with Jews for Jesus since 1980, was elected executive director in 1996, when he was 37. Brickner sees Jews for Jesus as a ’90s ministry that is 2,000 years old.

“We began in 31 CE give or take a year. Jesus’ first followers were Jewish men and women and since then there have been some of us in every generation,” he said.

Those attending the special “Christ in the Passover” program at Victory Life Fellowship March 16 at 10:30 a.m. will also have an opportunity to examine some of the aforementioned literature and materials. The program is open to the public and Alan Bond will be available to answer questions.