Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in verses thirty-one through fifty-three of the twenty-second chapter. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as what: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou. Knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, and he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough” (Luke 22:31-38). “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Luke 22:39-46). “And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus aid unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:47-53). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the continuation of the dialogue and exchange which took place in the upper room between Jesus and His disciples. IN order to truly understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it is absolutely necessary to turn and direct your attention to the words which preceded them. The twenty-second chapter of this New Testament gospel narratives begins and opens with the feast of unleavened bread drawing nigh which was called the Passover. It would be in the context of the feast of unleavened bread called Passover the chief priests and scribes would seek counsel together how they might kill and put to death the Lord Jesus. The chief priests and scribes conspired together in the secret and in the shadows how they might destroy and put to death the Lord Jesus—and not only this but they desired how they might do it stealthily and in the shadows that their treachery might not be noticed and uncovered by the people. If it was true that Herod feared putting John the Baptist to death because he feared the people since they believed John to be a just man and a prophet then all the more the chief priests, the scribes and the religious leaders would fear putting Jesus to death and making a scene about it as they too feared the people. The chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people conspired together against the Lord Jesus in the shadows because they feared the people who thought and believed the Lord Jesus was a prophet and a just man similar to John the Baptist. As you begin reading with and from the first verse of the twenty-second chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative you will find the feast of unleavened bread drawing nigh which was called the Passover. Against the backdrop of the feast of unleavened bread you will find the chief priests and the scribes conspiring together again as the anointed of the Lord how they might destroy and put Him to death. The reason they conspired together in the shadows was indeed because they desired how they might put Him to death stealthily and without scene or incident lest the people be aware of it and an uprising take place in the midst of the region. What makes the words which are found in this passage of scripture so incredibly intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you continuing reading this passage and how Luke makes a very important declaration concerning Judas Iscariot. The chapter opened up against the backdrop and in the context of the feast of unleavened bread which was called the Passover and the chief priests and scribes conspiring together how they might put to death the Lord Jesus. Directly set against this is the declaration and reality that at this same time and on the same evening as Jesus would celebrate the Passover Satan would enter Judas who was named Iscariot being among the twelve. As a direct result of this Judas would go on his way and communed with the chief priests and captains how he mighty betray Jesus into their hands. This meeting between this disciples of the Lord Jesus and the chief priests and scribes would overjoy and make glad the hearts and souls of these religious leaders for they might finally have the means and method whereby they would be able to capture and once and for all put to death the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be there together with the chief priests and the scribes Judas conspired together with them how he might betray him into their hands for a price. It is this price which must be carefully considered for it would be Jesus who would ask what a man would have if he gained the whole world and yet lost his soul in the process. Not only this but the Lord Jesus would ask what a man would give in exchange for his soul—something which we see in the life of Jesus who covenanted together with the chief priests and scribes to betray Jesus into their hands for a sum of money. If you continue reading in this chapter you will find that the chief priests were glad when Judas came unto them promising to deliver Jesus into their hands. Not only were the chief priests glad when they heard Judas’ willingness to betray Him into their hands but they also covenanted to give him money in exchange for his services. Luke writes how Judas promised unto the chief priests and scribes how he would seek an opportunity to betray him in the absence of the multitude. Hereafter in this passage of Scripture you will find the day of the feast of unleavened bread coming and being manifested in the midst of the earth—that time when the Passover would be and must be killed. At this time Jesus would send Peter and John, saying, “God and prepare us the Passover that we may eat.” In the previous chapters we find the Lord Jesus instructing certain of His disciples to go into the city where they would find a colt tied which they were to loose and bring unto the Lord Jesus that it might accomplish and fulfill the plan and purposes of the living God. It would be these unnamed disciples who would go unto the place where they would find this colt tied in its place and would loose it that it might be released for the plan(s) and purpose(s) of the living God. Now here we are in this passage of Scripture and we read of Jesus sending Peter and John to go and make preparation for the Passover meal to be celebrated. He would instruct them to go and prepare the Passover for them that they might eat and celebrate. When Jesus gave the command Peter and John asked the Lord where He would that they might prepare for Him the Passover meal that they might eat and partake of it. It would be in response to this Jesus would speak unto them and declare “Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.” That which we read in this section of Scripture would indeed set the stage for the actual night and evening of the feast of unleavened bread—and not only the evening of the unleavened bread but also when the Passover must be killed. After all the preparations had been made for the Passover meal to be celebrated in this upper room Jesus and His disciples would enter together into this house and make their way into the upper room that they might celebrate the Passover together with the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus and His disciples would indeed enter together into this upper room which was already furnished that they might celebrate the Passover meal together. Oh if there is one thing which must needs be recognized and understood when reading this passage is that Jesus and His disciples might not have been the only ones who would be celebrating the Passover meal. The Passover meal was never intended to be celebrated by just a choice few according to the Law of Moses. What we must needs realize is that when it came to the Jewish feasts they were to be celebrated by each and every man, woman and child alike in the midst of the land of Israel and the regions of Galilee and Judah. As we think about the celebration of the Passover we must needs realize and recognize that it was something which was to be celebrated by each and every person in the midst of Judaea and Galilee regardless of what rank or place they found themselves in the caste systems in the midst of the land during those days. When it comes to the Jewish feasts it is absolutely necessary and imperative that we recognize how men and women were commanded by the LORD through His servant Moses to celebrate the Passover meal. Just as during the days of Moses and the children of Israel in the land of Egypt and how men and women—regardless of where they somehow ranked in society and the various different ranks and classes of the people of God—were instructed to celebrate the Passover Lamb. Oh what’s more is that it was possible for the Passover meal to be celebrated in a single house by more than just those who lived and dwelt in the midst of it if that household be too small for them to celebrate and partake of the Lamb. Oh if there is one thing I can’t help but think about when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s how on this particular night there would be countless households that would celebrate the Passover meal together. There would be countless husbands who would lead their wives and their children in the celebration of the Passover and the partaking of the Passover lamb as it was commanded by the LORED through His servant Moses. In all reality I can’t help but wonder what it would have looked like in the land during this particular evening as it was and would have been more than just Jesus and His disciples who would have celebrated the Passover meal. What we must needs recognize is that while the gospel authors paint a powerful picture of Jesus celebrating the Passover meal together with His disciples they would not be the only ones who would celebrate this Passover meal together. In all reality the Passover meal was almost as old as the Jewish people themselves when those in the land of Egypt would be the first to celebrate the Passover on the night in which the destroyer would enter into the land of Egypt and would put to death and strike down the firstborn of every man and beast from the least to the greatest in the midst of land. It would be on the night in which the destroyer would move throughout the land of Egypt the children of Israel would celebrate the very Passover meal as they would do so with the expectation of their deliverance from the slavery, bondage and oppression they experienced in the land of Egypt. Oh when we think about and consider the narrative of the celebration of the Passover meal during that particular generation which was present in the midst of the land of Egypt it’s that it would have been celebrated by those who not only had spent time living as slaves in the midst of the bondage and oppression of Egypt but it would have also been celebrated by those who were preparing themselves for the deliverance of the living and eternal God. After spending four hundred and thirty years living as slaves in the midst of the bondage and oppression of the land of Egypt the children of Israel would celebrate the Passover meal as a mark and a sign of their deliverance from the bondage, slavery and oppression of the land of Egypt. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about the fact that just as the Passover meal which the Lord Jesus celebrated together with His disciples had at the very heart of it a certain expectation and anticipation of a future hope so also would the Passover which was celebrated by those in the land of Egypt would have been celebrated with the hope and expectation of that which the living and eternal God would do on behalf of the children of Israel. What’s more is that when the children of Israel celebrated the Passover meal on this particular night they would do so having already witnessed and beheld nine different plagues or judgments which had struck the land of Egypt. If you read the words which are found in chapters seven through eleven of the Old Testament book of Exodus you will find a series of plagues and judgments which would come upon the land of Egypt and decimate and destroy the land together with its produce, crops and vegetation. What’s more is that it would be in the land of Egypt where the children of Israel would witness and behold the strong arm of the LORD set against and upon Pharaoh the king of Egypt and land of Egypt. Beginning with waters being turned to blood and continuing through to the ninth plague and judgment of the living God upon the land of Egypt we find the LORD entering into judgment and conflict against and with the false gods of the land of Egypt during those days. After four hundred and thirty years of slavery, bondage and oppression the living and eternal God would indeed enter into judgment and wrath against the false gods of the land of Egypt. What’s more is that not only would the living and eternal God enter into judgment against the false gods of the land of Egypt but he would also enter into judgment against Pharaoh for the hardness of his heart and for his enslavement and cruel oppression of the children of Israel. If there is one thing I absolutely love about the words which are found in the twelfth chapter of the Old Testament book of Exodus it’s that when the children of Israel were given the command to celebrate the Passover for the very first time—not only would they look back to the nine plagues and judgments which the LORD had executed against and up[on Pharaoh and the land and people of Egypt but they would also look forward to the deliverance the living and eternal God would indeed execute against and upon Pharaoh and the land of Egypt. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is something truly astonishing about the living and eternal God entering into judgment with and against Pharaoh, against his task masters as well as against the false gods which were present during those days. This is something we absolutely need to think about and consider when seeking to understand the celebration of the Passover for when the Passover was celebrated—not only was it celebrated against the backdrop of the judgment(s) the LORD had entered into and executed upon the land of Egypt but it would also be against the backdrop of the decimation, the devastation and destruction which had taken place in the land of Egypt. OH it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the plagues and judgments the living and eternal God entered into and executed against and upon Pharaoh, against His takes masters and against the eland of Egypt during those days. When the children of Israel celebrated the Passover meal on this particular night for the very first time they would look back at what the LORD had already done in the land of Egypt against both the land and people as well as looking ahead to that which the living and eternal God was about to do in the midst of the land on their behalf. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the Old Testament book of Exodus beginning to read with and from the seventh chapter of this Old Testament book: “And the LORD said unto Moses, See I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscoure and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:1-7). Here is the first plague, sign, wonder and judgment which the LORD God would execute against and upon Pharaoh, against the taskmasters and against the land and people of the land of Egypt as He would prepare to deliver and bring forth His people with a strong arm and a mighty outstretched arm: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people god. Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning: lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people God, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the flesh that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink: and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river. And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aragon, Take thy rod and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them, as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. And all the Egyptians dogged round about the river for water to drink: for they could not drink of the water of the river. And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river” (Exodus 7:14-25). “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: and the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: and the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD” (Exodus 8:1-8). “And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aragon, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it came lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice but they could not: so there was lice upon man, and upon beast.l Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said” (Exodus 8:15-19). “And the LORd said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and alto the ground wherein they are. And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servant’s houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies. And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. It it is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he shall command us” (Exodus 8:20-27). “Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still, Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is in the Children’s of Israel. And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land. And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go” (Exodus 9:1-7). “And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he harkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses” (Exodus 9:8-12). “And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to train a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. Send therefore not, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: and he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon. Man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. Also there was hail, and fire mingled with hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail” (Exodus 9:13-26). “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh; for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: and that you mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD. And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before m? Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast; and they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the friend: and they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, not thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh. And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? Let them go, that that may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt id destroyed? And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall god? And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD. And he said unto them, Let the LORD be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you. Not so; go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left. And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as thy, neither after them shall be such. For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt” (Exodus 10:1-15). “And the LORD said unto Moss, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: they saw not one another, neither rose any man form his place for three das: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:21-23). Here is the language and description of the final plagues and judgments which the LORD God would execute upon the children of Egypt during those days. In chapters seven through ten you will find the first nine plagues and judgments which the LORD would execute against Pharaoh, against his servants, against his taskmasters, against all the people of the land, and even upon the beasts of the field and the land itself. What we find in the eleventh chapter of this New Testament gospel is the description of the final plague and judgment which would be executed against Pharaoh and the land of Egypt. This tenth and final plague and judgment would indeed be a plague of death as the LORd would send the destroyer throughout the land smiting down the firstborn among man and beast alike—all save those who had the mark of the blood of the Lamb upon the doorposts of the houses wherein they dwelt. Oh we must needs recognize the words and language found in the eleventh chapter for it sets the tone and stage for that which is presented in the twelfth chapter which is the celebration of the Passover meal for the very first time. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the eleventh chapter: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust yo out hence altogether. Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people. And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee; and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearkened unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. And Moses and Aron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land” (Exodus 11:1-10). It is when you come to the twelfth chapter of the Old Testament book of Exodus you will find the implantation of the Passover meal as it was ordained and appointed by the living and eternal God. In the eleventh chapter you will find the description of the tenth and final plague and judgment which the LORD would execute against and upon the land of Egypt. When, however, you come to the twelfth chapter of this Old Testament book you will find set against the backdrop of the previous nine plagues and judgments as well as against the threat and promise of one final plague and judgment the Passover would be ordained and appointed for the very first time by the living and eternal God. Here in this passage of Scripture we find the land of Egypt having been utterly destroyed and decimated by the plagues and judgments which the living and eternal God executed against and upon it. A series of nine plagues and judgments would indeed strike and come upon the land of Egypt and now here we have one final judgment that would be execute against and upon the land of Egypt—one that would be intrinsically linked and connected to the implantation of the Passover. What’s important to recognize and understand is that the celebration of the Passover not only looked back upon that which the LORD God had already done in the land of Egypt but it will also look ahead to that which the living and eternal God would still do in the midst of the land of Egypt. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words which are found in the twelfth chapter of the Old Testament book of Exodus and know that it is also intrinsically linked to the Passover meal which the Lord Jesus would celebrate together with His dis piles. Oh having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the twelfth chapter of the Old Testament book of Exodus: “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to your Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: and if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door posts of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordanance for ever. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; and the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only be done of you. And ye shall observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even. Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread” (Exodus 12:1-20). “Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. And ye shall observe this thing for an. Ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they” (Exodus 12:21-28). “And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh arose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be done; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading trought being bound up in their clothes upon th ear shoulders. And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver and jewels of gold, and raiment: and the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:29-36). “And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual. Now the sojourning of the children of Israel who dwelt in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations” (Exodus 12:37-42). “And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: but every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies” (Exodus 12:43-51). I have to admit the more I think about and consider the language surrounding the Passover which the children of Israel celebrated in the midst of the land of Egypt the more I can’t help but consider it as being celebrated against the backdrop of a decimated, devastated and destroyed Egypt. Even Pharaoh’s magicians spoke of the plagues and judgments of the living God as the finger of God and Pharaoh’s own servants spoke of the land of Egypt as being destroyed. This is something I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the implantation and ordination of the Passover meal. When the Passover meal was celebrated in the midst of the land of Egypt the entire land lie in complete and utter ruin having been decimated by blood, frogs, flies, locusts, boils, hail and the like. The cattle and the livestock of the land of Egypt had been decimated and there were at least three days of complete and utter darkness that covered the whole of the land of Egypt save the region of Goshen where the children of Israel were. When we think about the celebration of the Passover we must needs recognize that the Passover was celebrated in light of the decimation and destruction of the land of Egypt. Eventually there would come a distinction that would be made between the children of Israel and the plagues which came upon the land of Egypt would not touch the land where the children of Israel dwelt. Oh there is something incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the underlying reality the children of Israel understood when they were celebrating the Passover. Of course they had been told of Moses the servant of the LORD how on that very night the destroyer would enter into the land of Egypt and would strike down the firstborn of every man and beast alike. The destroyer would enter into the house of any who did not have the blood of the lamb sprinkled upon their house on the doorposts of the door. What an incredibly powerful truth this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful reality of the LORD having completely and utterly destroyed the land of Egypt and now preparing to send the destroyer in the land of Egypt to smite the firstborn of every man and beast. As I sit here today thinking about how absolutely incredible this truly is I can’t help but be brought face to face with the truth that when Jesus celebrated the Passover He would celebrate it in a similar fashion. Jesus had spent three and a half years in public manifestation after the Jordan River baptism and after the wilderness temptation where He would indeed be the Word made flesh and dwelling among us in power and in authority. For three and a half years Jesus would decimate and destroy the kingdom of darkness in the midst of the earth as He exercised the authority and power of heaven and of the Spirit of the living God. I am absolutely amazed when I consider the Passover meal which the Lord Jesus celebrated together with His disciples for when He did so He would indeed celebrate in light of a kingdom that had been destroyed and devastated. Consider that for three and a half years Jesus exercised authority over blindness, over deafness and over mute tongues. For three and a half years Jesus exercised authority over leprosy and even the palsy and dropsy. For three and a half years Jesus exercised authority over unclean spirits and demons which tormented, oppressed and possessed men, women and children. For those three and a half years Jesus even exercised authority over all manner of sickness, illness and disease. What’s more is that during those three and a half years the Lord Jesus would exercise authority and dominion over death and would overcome and overpower it. We dare not and must not read the four gospel narratives and not encounter and come face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth surrounding the tremendous authority and power Jesus exercised during those three and a half years. It might very well be said that during those three and a half years Jesus would indeed enter into the territory of the enemy and adversary and would completely plunder and spoil his kingdom. In fact I am convinced that this is what is so significant about the words which Jesus spoke when the religious leaders tried accusing Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the four gospels concerning Jesus’ response to the religious leaders who dared declare unto and accuse Him of casting out devils by Beelzebub: “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself shall not stand: and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil that house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:22-37). There is something incredibly powerful about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we encounter and are brought face to face with the incredible truth that during those three and a half years Jesus walked upon the earth as the Word made flesh in public manifestation He was indeed that one who was stronger than the strong man who entered into the house. During those three and a half years Jesus entered into the territory and dominion of the enemy and adversary and completely and utterly wreaked havoc upon his kingdom. Consider the time when Jesus went to the Gerasenes and when He went to the Gadarenes and how He healed and delivered those who were possessed by unclean spirits and devils. It is quite obvious that while Jesus walked upon the face of the earth He not only exercised authority over blindness and deafness but also over sickness and all manner of disease and illness. What’s more is that during those three and a half years Jesus would exercise authority and dominion over unclean spirits and devils as He would cast them out of those whom they tormented, vexed and oppressed for some time. What’s more is that there was one instance when Jesus healed and cleansed a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years while on another occasion delivering a woman who had been bowed over and bound by Satan for eighteen years. Oh you cannot read the New Testament gospel narratives and not encounter the tremendous authority Jesus exercised over Satan and over his kingdom with all its unclean spirits and demonic forces. Jesus was not afraid nor was he ashamed to enter into the territory of the enemy and adversary that He might spoil and plunder his house and his goods. Time and time again throughout the gospels we encounter and are brought face to face with the wonderful truth surrounding Jesus’ authority over Satan, over sickness and over unclean spirits. Not only this but if you read the gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew, John Mark and the beloved physician Luke you will find that before Jesus ever exercised authority over unclean spirits and devils He would first overcome Satan in the wilderness. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and the beloved physician Luke: “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the LORD thy God. Again the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him” (Matthew 4:1-11). “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungred. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me: and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the LORD thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the LORD thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season” (Luke 4:1-13). When we read each of these passages we will find that when the tempter came unto Jesus in the wilderness to tempt Him Jesus overcame Him each and every time. There was not a single temptation which Jesus allowed Himself to be succumbed to there in the midst of the wilderness. Jesus who was indeed full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil would indeed exercise authority over the enemy and adversary—and not only over the enemy and adversary but also over the temptations which he would hurl at, upon and against Him. This is something we must needs recognize for even before Jesus would exercise authority and dominion over unclean spirits and devils alike He would first exercise authority over Satan and his temptations in the wilderness. Oh this is something we must needs recognize when considering the gospels for within these four narratives of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ—not only do we find Him overcoming the temptation of the tempter and adversary in the wilderness, and not only do we find Him exercising authority and power over unclean spirits and devils alike but in the epistle written unto the Colossians saints, in the epistle written unto the Hebrews and in the first epistle written by the apostle John we find that Jesus was indeed manifested to destroy the works of the devil and to completely and utterly overtake and overpower Him. During those three and a half years Jesus would wreak havoc upon the kingdom of darkness much like the plagues and judgments of the living God wreaked havoc, decimated, devastated and destroyed the land of Egypt. Oh during the days of the Lord Jesus it would not be the land of Egypt that would be decimated and devastated but it would be the kingdom and the territory of the enemy and adversary. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in each of these New Testament books as they help paint a powerful picture of the future devastation and destruction which the Lord Jesus through His death would impose upon the kingdom of darkness and upon the enemy and adversary and his kingdom: “…In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:14-17). “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: IN whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:8-15). “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:1-4). “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18). “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that’s hath this hope in him purifiers himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:1-8). Please don’t miss the incredible importance that is found within these passages of Scripture for within them we encounter the awesome truth that when the Lord Jesus was manifested in the earth He was indeed manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider it is when you read the twenty-second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. In this passage of Scripture—not only do we find Satan entering into Judas but we also find Jesus emphatically declaring unto Simon Peter that Satan desired to have him that he might sift him as wheat. Pause and truly consider the tremendous language that is presented here in this passage of Scripture for within it we find Satan not only entering into and filling the heart of one of Jesus’ own disciples but we also find him desiring another of Jesus’ disciples—Simon called Peter. The sole purpose Satan desired to have Simon was that he might sift him as wheat—something which the apostle Peter would write about in his first epistle when he spoke of the devil who prowls around like a raging and roaring lion seeking whom He may devour. Perhaps Simon Peter remembered back to the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken unto him concerning Satan desiring to have him that he may sift him as wheat and even remembered how Satan desired to gain an inroad into the heart and mind of the apostle Peter. Remember that it was here at the last supper and in the upper room that there arose a dispute among them who was the greatest and even Simon Peter himself would declare that he would never deny the Lord Jesus Christ. The enemy and adversary would indeed seize upon the pride, the self-confidence and the arrogance which was within the heart of the apostle Peter at that time that he might sift him as wheat. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to draw your attention to the celebration of the Passover by Jesus and His disciples. Not only would Jesus and His disciples look back to the deliverance of the children of Israel from their slavery, bondage and oppression but they would also look at that time when the plagues and judgments of the living God would be executed against and upon the land of Egypt. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ celebration of the Passover and how it was much like the celebration of the Passover of the children of Israel in the land of Egypt when they celebrated—not only based on the judgments and plagues which were executed upon the land of Egypt but also how the LORD God was going to put to death the firstborn of every man and beast in the land of Egypt. When Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples it would be celebrated against the backdrop of the devastation and decimation of the kingdom of darkness during those three and a half years. It would be during those three and a half years the Lord Jesus would exercise authority and dominion over the unclean spirits and devils as he spoiled and plundered the kingdom of darkness. With this being said—despite the fact that Satan had entered into Judas and had even asked to have Simon that he might sift him as wheat—the Lord Jesus would indeed not only pray for Simon that his faith fail not but also that when he was converted he would strengthen his brethren. What’s more is that the celebration of the Passover would look forward to a future deliverance and further devastation of the kingdom of darkness as Jesus would not only completely triumph over the principalities there at Calvary but through His death and resurrection He would overcome death, hell and the grave. What’s more is that Jesus would indeed rise from the dead and ascend unto the right hand of the Father with the keys of death, hell and the grave in His possessions thus giving Him authority and dominion over them. In bringing this writing to a close it is absolutely incredible to read the words which are found in the twenty-second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke and understand that even in the shadow of Satan entering into Judas and Satan asking to have Simon that he might sift him as wheat Jesus would still triumph over the enemy and adversary through His suffering and death upon the cross. When we think about the celebration of the Passover we must needs recognize that at the very heart and center of it is Jesus’ triumph over the enemy and adversary. Jesus would spend three and a half years decimating and spoiling the kingdom of darkness by casting out unclean spirits and devils and when it came time for His suffering and death He would further spoil the kingdom of darkness even further. Not only would He make a public spectacle of the principalities and powers of darkness through His death but He would also triumph over Satan stripping from him the keys of death, hell and the grave. .The Lord Jesus would indeed triumph over Satan who had entered into Judas and who had asked two have Simon Peter that he might sift him as wheat. Jesus would not only pray for Simon Peter that his faith might not fail but He would also overcome, overtake, destroy and decimate the kingdom of darkness and triumph over principalities, powers, spiritual wickedness and rulers of darkness through His suffering and death. When Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples—not only was He looking back to the children of Israel in Egypt when they celebrated decimation of the land of Egypt but He was also looking to the decimation and devastation of the kingdom of darkness during the previous three and a half years. How absolutely marvelous and extraordinary it is that when Jesus celebrated the Passover—not only had He completely decimated and wreaked havoc in the kingdom of darkness over the past three and a half years in the regions of Galilee, Judaea and Samaria, but now He would prepare to complete the ultimate upset and engage in the greatest devastations and destructions in the kingdom and empire of darkness. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus’ words to Simon—although they emphasized that Satan desired to have him (perhaps even them) that he might sift him as wheat—not only did Jesus pray for Simon that his faith would not fail but Jesus would also complete the ultimate upset against and upon the enemy and adversary. It would be through His suffering and death—and not only His suffering and death but also His resurrection and ascension that he would rise with the keys of death, hell and the grave and would ascend unto the right hand of the Father. It would be there at the right hand of the Father the Lord Jesus would be seated in the place of all authority and dominion as all principalities, all powers, all authorities, all dominions, all kingdoms and everything in the earth would be under His feet. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous significance of the Passover meal celebrated by Jesus for even His declaration of drinking the cup anew with them in His Father’s kingdom spoke of and suggested a return to the Father—and not only a return to the Father but also a tremendous triumph over the kingdom of darkness and the enemy and adversary. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for the celebration of the Passover would indeed be such that would celebrate that which Jesus had already done in the kingdom of darkness as well as look forward to that which He would do through His suffering, through His death and through His resurrection. Oh that we would drink of the cup and partake of the bread in full recognition that Jesus Christ has not only triumphed over sin, death, hell and the grave but He also grants us the victory and triumph over them within our own lives that we might walk as victorious and triumphant people. Oh that we would view the partaking of the Passover meal as being a celebration of that which has taken place in the past through the work of the Lord Jesus but also an expectation and anticipation of that which is to come and that which the Lord Jesus Christ can and will enable us to do within our hearts and lives.