Time is not merely a neutral backdrop for religious observance; in Judaism, time itself is sacred and structured, with cycles of rest, renewal, and covenantal remembrance forming the rhythm of worship. The Hebrew liturgical calendar was the context in which Jesus lived, taught, and structured His final days. Yet modern Christian theology often detaches Jesus from this sacred timekeeping, interpreting the Last Supper exclusively as a Passover Seder, while overlooking the deeper cycles of Jewish worship that influenced early Christian practice.
A proper understanding of the Jewish liturgical calendar reshapes how we interpret Jesus’ Passion, the Last Supper, and Christian worship. Passover and Havdalah function as two distinct but interconnected rituals, and while Passover remains a covenantal celebration uniquely Jewish, Havdalah serves as a model for Christian weekly renewal. The liturgical calendar’s structure clarifies:
1. The Timing of the Last Supper – The Gospels present apparent contradictions regarding the Last Supper and its relationship to Passover. By examining Jewish calendar discrepancies (Sadducee vs. Essene reckoning), we can reconstruct a more accurate Passion Week timeline.
2. Havdalah as a Weekly Renewal Model – The Last Supper, rather than a Passover Seder, aligns more closely with Havdalah, the ritual that separates the sacred and the secular at the conclusion of the Sabbath. This shapes Christian worship as a moment of recommitment and empowerment for mission.
3. The Second Day of Passover and the Inclusion of the Nations – Historically, the second day of Passover may have accommodated sojourners and Gentiles, a practice that was later restricted in the Second Temple period. Paul’s theological argument in 1 Corinthians 5:7 reintroduces this theme by expanding Passover’s significance beyond Israel.
4. Early Christian Worship Retained Jewish Liturgical Elements – The first Christians were Jewish believers who maintained many aspects of their liturgical traditions. The early Eucharist and Sunday gatherings reflect Havdalah themes rather than a direct continuation of Passover.
By exploring the structure of Jewish sacred time, we can correct misunderstandings about Passion Week, clarify Jesus’ role within Israel’s covenantal framework, and show how Christian worship evolved from its Jewish origins while respecting its distinctive role for the nations.
