On April 17, 2009, I had the privilege of attending my first Jewish Seder meal.  Attending as a guest of John and Tammy Lieberman who work with Messianic Jewish Life (www.themessiah.org), the Jesus and the Passover meal took place at Grace Community Church.  What a rich and inspiring night!!  Here are the Top 4 Things I learned from participating in the Seder:

John Lieberman with guests Matt and Nicole Conrad

1. Our Christian faith is founded in the Jewish faith, rich with history and tradition.

It wasn’t simply that Jesus dropped out of thin air.  Duh…I know.  But I forget!!  Jesus was raised in a Jewish household, learning the traditions and faith of his forefathers.  When he sat down at what Christians call the Last Supper, he and his disciples were participating in something that the Jewish people had been doing for 1000’s of years.  They were remembering the saving work of God and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt.  There are many symbols, customs, practices that take place at this meal that remind people of faith of the work of God throughout history.  I was reminded that the faith I have in Jesus is not just an individual experience, but is a faith that has hundreds of years of history that precedes.  It was a humbling reminder.

2. Marking the doorposts reminds me A LOT of the sign of the cross

John took the time to show exactly how the Jews would have marked their doorposts during the Passover meal.  It was amazing to look back at this practice through Christian lenses.  I grew up Catholic where we would often perform the sign of the cross before prayer.  The marking of the doorposts with the blood from a lamb reminded me of this same practice.

3. God understands our five senses!

The table is set.

There was singing, dancing (when you come, be ready to dance at the end!), bitter tasting herbs, sweet tasting things…each part of the meal was laced with meaning and significance.  And each part of the meal engaged all five of your senses.  I think God understands how He has made us and each symbol and ritual keeps you engaged.  I was surprised to find I like horseradish, especially the way it cleans out your sinuses!

4. John has incredible love and passion

John’s great love for his Jewish history, for Jesus, and for others to understand who Jesus is and what that means for our lives was the single most poignant thing that stood out to me this evening.  His presentation was well-organized, his team did an amazing job pulling the event together, but it was His passion that I remember.  It was infectious!

John and Tammy Lieberman

Steve Moed and John Lieberman will be participating with one of the largest international Jewish mission organizations, Chosen People Ministries, June 24-28 in New York City sharing the gospel with Jewish people.  Remember them in prayer in the next few weeks and make an effort to join Messianic Jewish Life next year for their Seder.  You may just learn a few things yourself!