Manna ~ Passover ~ Sacrament

During the time of Moses the Lord gave the Israelites covenants to follow. One of which is the Covenant of Manna. The Israelites were to pick up the manna (which translated means “what is it?”) the exact amount for one day each day, not more or it would rot and not less or it would become more, except on the day before the Sabbath, when they were to pick up exactly enough for two days.  

It was used to teach the principle: “Thou shalt not live by bread only, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Deut. 8:2-3). Jesus referred to this on the instance of temptation (Matthew 4:3-4; Luke 4:3-4) it was not the act of changing stone to bread that was a sin, it was that his father had not given the word. “It is written” he quotes Moses about the message of the manna.  “Give us our Daily bread” is a prayer that goes beyond the mere physical – it can be a plea for that which nourishes the spirit as well as the flesh – our daily guidance from the Holy Ghost (2 Nephi 32:5, D&C 8:2-3) that shows us what we should do; do it exactly! 

Meaning = I will live exactly by the Word of God.

The Covenant of Unleavened bread was also given, at the Passover the Lord commanded the Israelites to eat the lamb (Ex 12:8) with unleavened bread (or bread without yeast) (Ex 12:8) and bitter herbs for seven (symbolic of cleansing, purifying, sanctifying) days (Ex 12:15) no leaven even in the houses or be cut off.  Leaven is a symbol because of the way it spreads its influence through the whole “lump” of dough – is used as a symbol for the spirit of influence (good or bad) that can sway the people.  In this case abandon or put away the influence of Egypt (worldliness, idolatry, etc.) 

Meaning = I will put away the spirit of the world, the influence of evil, worldliness, idolatry, etc.

On Thursday evening, when Passover was to begin, Jesus went to the upper room to have the Passover meal with His twelve disciples. This has now become known as the “Last Supper.”

Before Jesus the Israelites were to sacrifice a male of the 1st year without spot or blemish (Ex. 12:5) at the same time in the evening – the whole of the assembly (Ex. 12:6). The Lamb was roasted whole not raw or boiled (Ex 12:9) with fire (symbol of Spirit of God that which makes Holy) and to be eaten with Unleavened Bread ( forsaking of the ways of Egypt ) and the Bitter Herb (to remember the bitterness of bondage). Nothing was to be left of the lamb. Left overs were burned to ash (the “whole” lamb was eaten, internalized or burnt, given to God)(Ex. 12:10). This was the covenant of the Passover.

In John 6:51-57 Jesus explains the Passover lamb: to eat thereof is to partake of eternal life – it signifies a relationship in which Christ dwells within the individual and he in Christ – that as the father is in Christ and Christ lives by the Father – even so shall he that partakes of the true Passover shall live by Christ.  Becoming one with Christ, being perfect.   

Meaning = I will live only/completely by what the Holy Spirit tells me and become as Christ.  (D&C 84:43-45)

Jesus simplified these three covenants into one weekly ceremony – the breaking of bread at the sacrament table/alter.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven (manna): if any man eat of this bread (sacrament), he shall live for ever (passover): and the bread that I will give is my flesh (innocent life), which I will give for the life of the world.” ~ John 6:51

The next time you partake of the sacrament bread think of these three covenants:

1. I will live exactly by the Word of God.
2. I will put away the spirit of the world, the influence of evil, worldliness, idolatry, etc.
3. I will live only/completely by what the Holy Spirit tells me and become as Christ.

*As taught to me by John Young, Institute instructor

I’m sure this first video needs no introduction. It’s a lot of fun. Enjoy!

When you come to the end of the Seder meal, you’ll most likely find yourself joining in this song.