Whoso eats my flesh* (an allegory of the comradeship in the spiritual body of Christ, the church, and its unifying agent)(fellow-citizens with the saints – Eph 2:19), when we break bread, the meat which endures unto everlasting life, the word of God (for my flesh is meat indeed (spiritual meat – Heb 5:13,14/1Cor 10:3,4), and my blood is drink indeed – John 6:55 – thou shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink – Exodus 17:6 – one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water – John 19:34 – If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive – John 7:37-39 – for the Holy Ghost was not yet given – John 7:39), *is it not the communion (koinonia –fellowship) of the body of Christ? –1Cor 10:16/ 12:12,13/1John 1:7.
The “Last Supper” which the Christians commemorate in the “Eucharist” (the Lord’s supper – the Holy Communion) was vital in those days; because they didn’t have the word of God to partake of, in its written form, as we now are blessed with (the spiritual meat –1Cor 10:3/John 6:27/Heb 5:13,14). The Word of God (John 1:1) was among them as a mortal man (1Tim 3:16/ Rom 8:3/Heb 2:14,18/4:15/ 5:7-9/Phil 2:8/Matt 2:15/Acts 2:30/Rom 1:3). He was the “Passover Lamb” that had to be eaten (1Cor 5:7), but he wasn’t killed yet. And he was instructing them of how they should partake of him after that he is gone from this world (John 16:28), by way of breaking bread symbolizing his broken body. “Do this in remembrance of me” “this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1Cor 11:24,25). Drink what? This cup is the New Testament in my blood (1Cor 11:25/Luke 22:20). “Testament” diathece – Covenant and Testament. – “A person’s will”. The New Testament was not ready–back then. For the “Passover Lamb” was not yet killed. Its blood was not made available. For the life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev 17:11), and it was not yet poured upon the altar of the cross to make an atonement for our souls. The blood of Christ and the blood of his disciples were incumbent for the New Testament to be founded upon (are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone – Eph 2:20/3:13/Col 1:24,25/2:1/2Cor 4:12, 15/1:4-6/2:4/3:3/6:10/2Tim 2:10/Gal 6:17/Phil 4:10-12/Acts 9:16).
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator (the appointed)(till then, the property (estate) is still in the testator’s hand, where he still holds the power to revoke, cancel, or alter his will as he pleases – only after his death will the testament become irrevocable). For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives (Heb 9:16,17). But know that, “The Blood of the Covenant” does not comprise the blood of the disciples, but is exclusively the blood of Christ. He is the sole mediator of the Covenant. By his blood alone the remission of sins is obtained. This precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1Pet 1:19)(which takes away the sin of the world – John 1:29), is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1John 2:2/4:10/Rom 3:25). We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1)(and not through any saints that are born of a woman – What is man, that he should be clean? And he, which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? – Job 15:14 – For Jesus is God manifest in flesh –1Tim 3:16/ John 1:1/Phil 2:5-11/Micah 5:2/ 1Cor 15:47/Rev 19:13.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? – Jeremiah 17:9 – let God be true, but every man a liar – Rom 3: 4/Num 23:19). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12/Phil 2:5-11). Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21/Rom 10:13,14). Know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world (the Messiah of the Hebrew prophecies and the savior of humankind – the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible)(John 4:42/1John 4:14).
Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop (that springeth out of the wall – 1 King 4:33 – Origanum Vulgare – wild Oregano!), and sprinkled both the book and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Then he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and applied this blood by sprinkling it. This blood and water signified the blood and water that came out of our Savior’s pierced side, for justification and sanctification, and also shadowed forth the two sacraments of the New Testament, baptism and the Lord’s supper, with scarlet wool, signifying the righteousness of Christ with which we must be clothed, the hyssop signifying that faith by which we must apply all – Matthew Henry.
Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood (certain vessels were purified by water, and some by fire – Num 31:23), and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was, therefore, necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens (shadow of heavenly things –Heb 8:5/10:1/Col 2:17) should be purified with these, but the heavenly things (which belongs to the church through Christ – Eph 1: 3/2:6/3:10/Heb 8:6/ 11:40) themselves with better sacrifices (with the blood of Christ – his sufferings, etc…) than these (Heb 9:18-23). For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause, he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death (the effect of taking part of the flesh and blood/ the sinful flesh – Rom 1:3/8:3/Heb 2:14, 18/4:15/5:8,9/10:5/Acts 2:30), for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they, which are called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance (Heb 9:13-15).
It was meat and drink till then. But afterward, when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part was done away (1 Cor 13:10). For the kingdom of God is, not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom 14:17). For even Christ, our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast* (of the Passover – John 13:1 – a feast of the Jews – John 6:4 – the feast of the unleavened bread – Luke 22:1/Matt 26:17 – it was held once every year – Luke 2:41 – Jesus was made under the law – Gal 4:4 – Seven days thou shall eat unleavened bread – Exodus 13:6/ 1Cor 5:8 – the Jewish people follow the law – for what things soever the law says it says to them who are under the law – Rom 3:19 –For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then, would they not have ceased to be offered? – Heb 10:1,2 – but we the church is the reality/ the crème de la crème – his very body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all – Eph 1:22,23/ 2:21,22 – we have the word of God, which is the living bread – we know Christ no more after the flesh – 2Cor 5:16 – but through the word of God we partake of him – he that eats me, even he shall live by me – John 6:57), *not with old leaven (the corrupt self – Eph 4:22 – which brings forth fruit unto death – Rom 7:5,23/6:12,13,16/8:13), *neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness (the Greek for “malice” means the evil habit of mind – Rom 12:2/Eph 4:23/6:14/1Pet 1:13/2:11 – leaven of hypocrisy – Luke 12:1); but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (pure and unadulterated)(1Cor 5:7,8).
The Spirit of Christ through Paul is referring to an inward religion (inward purity and outward holiness)(Rom 2:29/8:13/12:1/Ps 51:6/Matt 23:25,26/ Eph 4:22/Gal 5:24). What then is given for us to eat alone promotes life? This is my body, which is given/broken for you (Luke 22:19/1Cor 11:24). Only the word of God can confer life; and the sacrament, an expression of remembrance (1Cor 11:24,25/Luke 22:19); except the water baptism, which is an answer of a good conscience toward God, and the sign of being buried with Christ in baptism into his death (1Pet 3:21/Rom 6:4/Col 2:12). Precious Holy Spirit baptized us into the body of Christ (through the faith of the operation of God – Col 2:12)(1Cor 12:13); but the water baptism is an outward expression of the bestowed inward grace. Through baptism, we proclaim to the world that we are crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20) and that the world is crucified unto us and us unto the world (Gal 6:14). And henceforth we live not unto (to and for) ourselves, but unto (to and for) him, which died for us, and rose again (2Cor 5:15). We by means of baptism are committing ourselves to Christ by that solemn promise (Pledge of Allegiance – Rom 10:9 – a solemn oath of loyalty or commitment to Christ and his kingdom – Col 1:13 – when the Israelites passed through the REED Sea (in Hebrew, Kriat Yam Suph = Sea of Reeds and not the Red Sea), they were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the Sea – 1Cor 10:1 – which not only did separate them from the power of the enemy (Pharaoh) but also from imminent death – 2Cor 1:10 – and furthermore separation from Egypt (the kingdom of this world/the present evil world – Col 1:13/Gal 1:4) – In the New Testament, we are baptized into his death, but unlike Israel, which were baptized unto Moses, we are baptized into Christ himself; not to mention, the old man which is corrupt thus get crucified as well – Rom 6 – they were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the Sea – 1Cor 10:1 – which was a shadow of things to come – if so, in this dispensation one must also be baptized in the cloud, which is the baptism of the Spirit, to get inducted into that one body –1 Cor 10:17/ 12:12,13,20/Gal 3:27/Rom 12:5/Eph 2:12-18 – them that believes, the Spirit of Christ baptizes or adds them to the Chruch/Lord – Acts 2:41/5:14/11:24 – that is, become obedient to the faith – Acts 6:7 – And being dunked in water is for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38 – which guarantees the promise of the Spirit or the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ – Acts 2:38,39 – which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified – John 7:39). Whereas the entrance of God’s Word alone gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple (Ps 119:130). It alone saves us (James 1:21). As newborn babes, one must desire (epipotheo/potheo – to yearn, intensely crave possession, long for, lust after) the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Pet 2:2) – for the new man* (the spirit-man, the inward man – Rom 7:22/2Cor 4:16) *cannot be renewed without it (Col 3:10). One must continually feed* (Trogo – indicating a continual ongoing action – day and night – Ps 1:2/119:11) *on the word of God to become skillful in the word of righteousness and be a perfect man (teleios/artios/exartizo – complete in Christ, full age, completeness, mental moral character, consecrate – sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word – Eph 5:26, thoroughly furnished, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ) – Heb 5:13,14/ Col 1:28/2Tim 3:17/James 3:2/Phil 3:15/Eph 4:13.
Hence, we must labor for that spiritual meat, which endures unto everlasting life (John 6:27). He that sows the Word seed – Luke 8:11 – to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Gal 6:8). The sacrament cannot be substituted for the word of God. “Do it in remembrance of me (1Cor 11:24,25/Luke 22:19)”. The incorruptible word of God is the bread of life, which alone strengthens the heart of man (Ps 104:15/1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13, 14/1Cor 10:3,4/Ps 105:17-19). He that keeps his commandments dwells in him (1John 3:24). And hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his commandments (1John 2:3). Ye are strong and THE WORD OF GOD ABIDES IN YOU, and ye have overcome the wicked one (1John 2:14). Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11). Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (from our ignorance and depravity)(John 8:32) – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Eph 4:14).
The holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto (until) salvation (2Tim 3:15). If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7)(but according to the power that works in us – Eph 3:20). The rites of the New Testament are indispensable, but we should let nothing take the rightful place of the word of God. “He who eats this bread will live forever”(John 6:58/Rev 10:10/Ezek 3:1-3).
The Greek word is phago, and it means, “to eat, devour, consume”. That word is used in John 6:49-53, and 58. The word trogo means, “to gnaw, to chew”. And it stresses the slow process. It is used nowhere else in the New Testament, except in John 6:54, and 56-58. In verse 58, Jesus said, “your fathers did eat (phago) manna, and he that eats (trogo) of this bread shall live forever”. When the Jews ate (phago) manna; it was to satisfy a carnal appetite, but the verb trogo means “to feed upon”. In these verses, phago is always in the tense that indicates a one-time action, usually in the past. Trogo is always in the present tense, indicating a continual ongoing action (day and night – Ps 1:2/119:11). Therefore, when Jesus said, “he who eats (trogo) this bread will live forever,” it means a continual feeding, something that is to be done on a constant basis to satisfy the spiritual appetite (1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14/1Cor 10:3,4). The language of Jesus can only have a spiritual meaning as He unfolds Himself as the true manna. In the context of all these verses, since the Lord’s supper was not yet instituted, this “feeding upon” Jesus refers to spiritual eating, not sacramental – Greekwordstudies
This “feeding upon” is not speaking of the “Lord’s Table” – for, it by no means can quench our spiritual appetite – but the word of God, which is the bread of life has every nutrient in it to satisfy every soul of man. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones (Pro 3:8). This repository can never experience depletion. For, God gives not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34), and in him (Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col 1:19). Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh (1Tim 3:16/John 1:1/Phil 2:6-10/Mich 5:2). And he has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). It is not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD (Amos 8:11). This is what we in sincerity and truth, and with meekness (1Cor 5:8/James 1:21) should feast on continuously after purging the old leaven from within us (ye must clean out the old yeast – EAE)(put off the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts – Eph 4:22/ 1John 1:8/Col 3:5/Mark 7:20-23 – Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls (from its depravity) – James 1:21 – Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns – Jeremiah 4:3/Mark 4:18, 19/Luke 8:11,14 – let us cleanse ourselves from* (work out our own salvation (that is to put off the corrupt self and put on the Lord Jesus Christ – Eph 4:22/Rom 13:14/Gal 5:24/Phil 2:5/1John 2:6) with fear and trembling – Phil 2:12) *all filthiness of the flesh and spirit – 2Cor 7:1 – abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul –1Pet 2:11– make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof– Rom 13:14 – they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts – Gal 5:24 – Abstain from all appearance of evil – And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly –1Thes 5:22,23). Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, we get to partake of the “Tree of Life” (2Pet 1:4/Rev 2:7/22:14/John 14:6/ Gen 3:22,24).
The “Holy Sacraments” which are “the baptism” and the “Lord’s Table” are then an outward expression and visible signs of the inward and spiritual divine grace. The Holy Communion must often be partaken of (they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers – Acts 2:42 – this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me – For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, (purpose) ye do show the Lord’s death till he comes –1Cor 11:24-26). But reality should supplant type, yet on no account should we be remiss about the sacrament. They are indispensable.
What is happening now a day is that people forget the substance of the things God prescribed and attach importance to sacraments. And did all eat the same spiritual meat (Heb 5:13,14/John 6:38)(satisfied them with the Bread of heaven, the living bread – Ps 105:40/John 6:33,51,58/ Nehemiah 9:15). And did all drink the same spiritual drink (this he spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive – John 7:37-39): for they (the Old Testament congregation) drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ (1Cor 10:3,4/Heb 11:26). The Word was God (John 1:1/Rev 19:13), and the Word became flesh (1Tim 3:16) and we feed on these pure words, which was tried in a furnace of the earth (body of Christ) purified seven times (Ps 12:6/Rev 3:18/Heb 5:8,9/ 2:10/Isaiah 53) and live. For we being many are one bread, and one body (we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another – Rom 12:5): for we are all partakers of that one bread –1Cor 10: 17/ 12:12,13/Eph 2:12-22/4:16/ Col 2:19 – we partake of his sufferings, his mind, his obedience, the divine nature, his glory, we follow his footsteps/further, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ – Phil 2:5/3:10,11/Rom 6: 5/1Pet 2:21/4:1,2,12-14/Gal 3:27/6:12/Eph 4:13/2Cor 10:5/1Cor 2:16/2Pet 1: 4/2Tim 2:12/Rom 8:17/13:14/Heb 12:1-4 – ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord –1Cor 1:9.
From Christ, the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supply, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph 4:16). If, we walk in the light (in obedience, in love –1John 2:4,9,10/ 3:24/2John 1:6), as he is in the light, we (the spiritual body of Christ –1Cor 12:12) have fellowship one with another –1John 1:7 – The bread, which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? –1Cor 10:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another* (communion of the body of Christ – For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread (Christ) –1Cor 10:17 – nourishing each other – Col 2:19 – according to the effectual working in the measure of every part – Eph 4:16 – for the perfecting of saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ – Eph 4:12) *in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord – Col 3:16 – and that drinks my blood, hath eternal life* (the cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the (representation of the) communion (koinonia – fellowship) of the body of Christ? –1Cor 10:16/ loving one another with a pure heart fervently – 1John 3:10,14/4:20/1Pet 1:22); *and I will raise him (exclusive) up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed (spiritual meat –1Cor 10:1-4/Heb 5: 13,14), and my blood is drink indeed. He that eats my flesh (this is my body which is given/broken for you – Luke 22:19/1Cor 11:24), and drinks my blood (this cup is the New Testament in my blood – Luke 22:20/1Cor 11:25), dwells in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eats me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead (ministration of death – 2Cor 3:7): he that eats of this bread shall live forever (John 6:54-58/Gal 6:8)(ministration of the spirit/ righteousness – 2Cor 3:8,9/Rom 8:2/James 1:25). For as often (day and night – Ps 1:2) as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he comes.
Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life and shall obtain favor of the LORD (Pro 8:34,35). Search the scriptures (to find wisdom –1Cor 1:24/ Pro 29:15 – and knowing this “Wisdom” is what eternal life is about – John 17:3/Matt 7:22-24); for in them ye think ye have eternal life (John 5:39). Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord (the sincere milk of the Word –1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14), unworthily* (Irreverently – without discerning the Lord’s Body – hold the truth in unrighteousness – Rom 1:18 – sows the seeds (Luke 8:11) among thorns – Jeremiah 4:3/Luke 8:14/Mark 4:18,19 – with an evil heart of unbelief – Heb 3:12 – he that takes not his cross and follow Christ – Matt 10:38 – he without getting rid of the filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (all filthiness of the flesh and spirit – 2Cor 7:1), when receives the engrafted Word – James 1:21 – he who handles the word of God deceitfully – 2Cor 4:2 – which corrupt the word of God – 2Cor 2:17 – the one which preach Christ of contention – Phil 1:16 – if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner –1Cor 5:11 – he who is a friend of the world – James 4:4 – he who loves the world and the things that are in the world –1John 2:15,16 – ye cannot serve God and Mammon; either you will hate the one and love the other; or else you will hold to the one, and despise the other – Matt 6:24 – one who loves and saves his life in this world – Mark 8:35/John 12:25/1John 3:16 – for whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey – Rom 6:16 – they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts– Gal 5:24), *shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself* (whether ye be in the faith; and prove your own selves – 2 Cor 13:5), *and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily (not walking worthy of the Lord – Col 1:10/Eph 4:1/ 1Thes 2:12 – and do not the things which the Lord says – Luke 6:46 – deceiving themselves – James 1:22 – they are liars in whom there is no truth –1John 2:4 – have bitter envying and strife in the heart – James 3:14 – and do not love the brethren –1John 3:10,14,15/4:20,21), eats and drinks damnation (krima – condemnation, judgment) to himself* (the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against such –Rom 1:18/Heb 10: 28,29/2:2,3/James 2:12 – Tribulation (trials, godly sorrows) and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile. But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that work good (the obedient – doer of the word – James 1:22), to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile – Rom 2:9,10/James 1:25 – I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded (Rom 6:12,13,16) your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness – Rom 6:19 – the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body –1Cor 6:13 – ye (first) present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God – Rom 12:1 – and then feast on Christ – for this bread which came down from heaven – John 6:41,51,58/1Cor 10:3,4 – if any man eats, he shall live for ever – John 6:51 – Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life – Rev 22:14 – For they are life (for in the scriptures ye have eternal life – John 5:39) unto those that find them (the meat which the Son of man shall give unto those that labor in it – John 6:27), and health to all their flesh – Pro 4:22 – he that sows to the Spirit (the seed, which is the word of God – Luke 8:11) shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting – Gal 6:8 – lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness (fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:22,23 – which we must yield) the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls (from its depravity) – James 1:21), *not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause, many are weak and sickly among you (having yielded your member’s servants to uncleanness – Rom 6:12, 13,16,19), and many sleep (are dead/ spiritual apathy/ languor/ wither away)(1Cor 11:26-30/Matt 13:6).
And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded* (loins of your mind girt about with truth –1Pet 1:13/ Eph 6:14 – truth in the inward parts – Ps 51:6), *your shoes on your feet* (shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace –Eph 6:15), and your staff/Rod* (for with my staff (authority in Christ) I passed over this Jordan – Gen 32:10/1Sam 17:40/Ps 23:4 – take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked – Eph 6:16) *in your hand (shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit – Eph 6: 17); *and ye shall eat it in haste (because they were suddenly to take their departure – Harpazo – the translation of saints – the rapture – Luke 21:35/ 1Thes 4:16,17): it is the LORD’S Passover (Exodus 12:11) – That is, Jehovah is now about to pass over the land (the Great Tribulation/ the great and the terrible day of the LORD/ the wrath of the Lamb – Joel 2:31/ Matt 24:21/Rev 3:10/Luke 21:35,36/Dan 12:1/2:34,35,44,45/Jeremiah 30:7/Isaiah 28:15,18/ Zech 12:2,3/ Rev 6:16).
The solemn eating of the lamb was typical of our gospel duty to Christ. 1st, The paschal lamb was killed not to be looked upon only, but to be fed upon; so we must by faith make Christ ours, as we do that which we eat, and we must receive spiritual strength and nourishment from him, as from our food, and have delight in him, as we have in eating and drinking when we are hungry or thirsty. Secondly, it was to be all eaten: those that, by faith, feed upon Christ must feed upon a whole Christ. They must take Christ and his yoke, Christ and his cross, as well as Christ and his crown. Thirdly, it was to be eaten with bitter herbs, in remembrance of the bitterness of their bondage in Egypt; we must feed upon Christ with brokenness of heart, in remembrance of sin. Fourthly, it was to be eaten in a departing posture – Ex 12:11, when we feed upon Christ by faith, we must sit loose to the world, and everything in it – Wesley
The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and gives life unto the world. Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (John 6:33-35). Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it (Luke 11:28/James 1:21-25). Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word* (bread of life – the spiritual meat –1Cor 10:3,4/ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom – Col 3:16 – receive with meekness the engrafted Word – James 1:21 – Labor for that spiritual meat which endures unto everlasting life which the Son of man shall give you – him hath God the Father sealed – John 6:27/1Cor 10:3,4) *that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt 4:4).