This interactive lesson plan will guide you through a meaningful Passover Seder that celebrates both the Jewish roots of this ancient festival and its fulfillment in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.
What is a Seder?
The word "Seder" means "order" in Hebrew. It refers to the ordered service designed to tell the story of the Passover through Scripture, symbols, and shared experience.
This Messianic Family Haggadah is designed for use with your family, home group, or church to celebrate a Jesus-centered Passover Seder. Through this experience, you will:
- Learn the traditional elements of the Passover Seder
- Understand how Yeshua celebrated His last Seder with His disciples
- Discover the connections between Passover and the Last Supper
- Experience the story of redemption through touch, taste, and participation
For Families with Children
The Feast of Passover is especially meaningful for children, as they can personally participate in the Seder. By touching, tasting, and smelling the elements on the Seder table, children are brought into the great events of the original Exodus.
Seder Plate Items
- Zeroah - Lamb shankbone (or chicken bone)
- Beitzah - Roasted egg
- Maror - Bitter herbs (horseradish)
- Charoset - Sweet mixture (apples, nuts, wine, cinnamon)
- Karpas - Parsley or green vegetable
- Chazeret - Additional bitter herb (optional)
Table Settings
- Candles and matches
- Wine or grape juice (4 cups per person)
- Matzah (unleavened bread) - 3 pieces for the matzah tash
- Matzah tash (bag with 3 compartments) or 3 napkins
- Salt water in small bowls
- Cup for Elijah
- Pitcher, basin, and towel for hand washing
- Haggadah booklets for participants
Removing Leaven
Traditionally, all leaven (chametz) is removed from the household before Passover begins. This symbolizes removing sin from our lives and hearts.
1. Cup of Sanctification
"I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians" (Ex. 6:6)
2. Cup of Plagues
"I will deliver you from their bondage" (Ex. 6:6)
3. Cup of Redemption
"I will redeem you with an outstretched arm" (Ex. 6:6)
4. Cup of Praise
"I will take you as My people" (Ex. 6:7)
The traditional Passover Seder follows a specific order. Here is the complete sequence we will follow:
- Birkat HaNer - Lighting of the Candles
- Kiddush - First Cup: The Cup of Sanctification
- Urchatz - First Washing of the Hands
- Karpas - Dipping of the Parsley
- Yachatz - Breaking of the Middle Matzah
- Maggid - The Story of the Passover
- Ma-Nishtanah - The Four Questions
- Makkot - Second Cup: The Cup of Plagues
- Zeroah/Pesach - The Lamb Shankbone
- Rachtzah - Second Washing of the Hands
- Maror - Eating of the Bitter Herbs
- Korech - Eating of the Bitter Herbs with Charoset
- Beitzah - The Roasted Egg
- Shulchan Orech - The Passover Supper
- Tzafun - Eating of the Afikoman
- HaGeulah - Third Cup: The Cup of Redemption
- Eliyahu - Elijah's Cup
- Hallel - Fourth Cup: The Cup of Praise
Take Your Time
A traditional Seder can take 2-4 hours. Feel free to adapt the length to suit your group, especially if you have young children.
The Passover Seder begins when the woman of the house lights the candles and says a blessing. It is appropriate that the woman brings light into the home, because it was through the woman that the light of the world, Messiah Jesus, came into the world (Gen. 3:15; Luke 2:7).
The Blessing
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב׃
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam, asher kid-shanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel yom tov.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the festival lights.
Messianic Connection
As we light the candles, we remember that Yeshua said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
The Seder begins with a blessing recited over the first cup, the Cup of Sanctification (also called the Cup of Blessing). This first cup is meant to sanctify—to set apart—the rest of the evening as a holy occasion.
Instructions
Fill the cup until it overflows, as a full cup is a symbol of joy. As a symbol of freedom, we drink while leaning to the left.
The Blessing
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן׃
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam, borei pri ha-gafen.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
All Drink Together
After the blessing, everyone drinks the first cup while leaning to the left, symbolizing the freedom and comfort of no longer being slaves.
This first washing of the hands is a symbolic gesture of personal sanctification as we enter into the holy celebration of the Passover.
Instructions
Traditionally, two children carry a pitcher, a basin, and a towel and go around the table pouring a little water on the guests' hands, starting with the leader of the Seder.
Connection to Yeshua
This reminds us of when Yeshua washed His disciples' feet, teaching them about servanthood and humility (John 13:1-11).
The parsley symbolizes the hyssop used to place the blood of the Passover lamb upon the doorposts and lintels of the homes of the children of Israel during the tenth plague.
Symbolism
- Parsley: Represents the hyssop used to apply the lamb's blood
- Salt Water: Represents the tears of slavery and the Red Sea
The Blessing
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה׃
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam, borei pri ha-adamah.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the earth.
Prayer Opportunity
This is a good time to pray for those around the world who are hurting and enslaved.
One of the central elements of the Passover is matzah (unleavened bread). For the Passover Seder, three separate sheets of matzah are inserted into a bag with three compartments, known as the matzah tash.
The Three-in-One
In Jewish tradition, this three-in-one bag has many interpretations:
- The three Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
- The three kinds of people: priests, Levites, and the masses
- For believers: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Instructions
- Take the middle matzah from the matzah tash
- Break it in two pieces
- Put one half back in the middle compartment
- Wrap the other half (the afikoman) in a white napkin
- Hide the afikoman for the children to find later
Messianic Significance
The middle matzah represents Yeshua - broken in death, wrapped for burial, and hidden away. Later it will be "resurrected" and shared among all participants.
It is tradition to read the story of the Passover every year at the Seder, to ensure that every generation keeps the memory of Israel's deliverance from slavery alive.
Scripture Reading
Read Exodus 12:1-15 together as a group.
As the retelling begins, the youngest child who can read asks the Four Questions to the leader of the Seder.
The Main Question
מַה נִּשְׁתַּנָּה הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה מִכָּל הַלֵּילוֹת?
Mah nishtanah ha-lailah ha-zeh mi-kol ha-leilot?
Why is this night different from all other nights?
The Four Questions
- "On all other nights we eat bread with leaven. On this night why do we eat only matzah?"
- "On all other nights we eat all kinds of vegetables; on this night why do we eat only bitter herbs?"
- "On all other nights we never think of dipping herbs in water or in anything else; why on this night do we dip the parsley in salt water?"
- "On all other nights we eat either sitting or reclining; on this night why do we eat only reclining?"
The Traditional Answer
"We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and God brought us out with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. And if God had not brought our ancestors out of Egypt, we and our children and our children's children would still be subjugated to Pharaoh in Egypt."
Each Passover cup is a symbolic full cup of joy except for the second cup—the Cup of Plagues—because God teaches us never to rejoice over the fate of our enemies.
Instructions
- Fill the second cup
- As each plague is recited, dip your little finger into the cup
- Remove one drop and place it on a plate
- This reduces the cup, showing we don't rejoice in others' suffering
The Ten Plagues
Recite together as drops are removed:
- Blood!
- Frogs!
- Gnats!
- Flies!
- Pestilence!
- Boils!
- Hail!
- Locusts!
- Darkness!
- Slaying of the Firstborn!
With grateful hearts, we sing "Dayenu" together, remembering God's many great acts.
Dayenu Verses
Verse 1:
Ilu hotzi, hotzianu, hotzianu miMitzrayim,
hotzianu miMitzrayim, dayenu!
Had God done nothing but save us from Egypt, it would have been enough!
Verse 2:
Ilu natan natan lanu, natan lanu et haTorah,
natan lanu et haTorah, dayenu!
Had God given us nothing more than the Torah, it would have been enough!
Verse 3:
Ilu natan natan lanu, natan lanu et Yeshua,
natan lanu et Yeshua, dayenu!
Had God given us nothing more than Yeshua, it would have been enough!
Drinking the Second Cup
The reduced Cup of Plagues is now raised and drunk after this reflection and blessing:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Symbolism
The lamb shankbone is a symbol of the Temple sacrifice. It reminds us of:
- The first Passover lamb whose blood protected the Israelites
- Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)
- The need for blood sacrifice for forgiveness (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22)
The Blessing
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדַיִם׃
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al netilat yadayim.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing of hands.
Two Blessings
First blessing (over bread):
"Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth."
Second blessing (specific to matzah):
"Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the eating of unleavened bread."
Instructions
Take enough bitter herbs to bring tears to your eyes, reminding us of:
- The bitterness of slavery in Egypt
- The bitterness of slavery to sin
Instructions
Make a sandwich with matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset. This combination of bitter and sweet reminds us that God's promises can bring joy in the midst of sorrow.
Symbolism
The roasted egg reminds us that the Temple no longer stands and sacrifices can no longer be offered. We dip it in salt water (tears) and eat, remembering our need for atonement.
This concludes the first portion of the Seder. Now the festive Passover meal is served!
Time to Feast!
Enjoy your meal together. This is a time for:
- Eating traditional Passover foods
- Telling stories of God's faithfulness
- Fellowship and celebration
- Sharing what God means to you
Traditional Foods
Common Passover meal items include:
- Matzah ball soup
- Roasted chicken or lamb
- Vegetables
- Charoset
- Wine or grape juice
After the meal, the leader sends the children to find the hidden afikoman. This is often the highlight of the evening for children!
The Search
- Children search for the hidden afikoman
- The finder brings it to the leader
- The leader "redeems" it with a reward
- The afikoman is unwrapped and broken into pieces
- Everyone receives a small piece
The Messianic Revelation
We believe this is when Yeshua revealed His identity to His disciples:
"And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me'" (Luke 22:19)
The Middle Matzah
Consider the significance:
- The middle piece represents the mediator between God and people
- It was broken (death), wrapped (burial), and hidden (buried)
- Now it is found (resurrection) and shared (new life for all)
- The matzah is striped and pierced, as His body was (Isaiah 53:5)
Sharing the Afikoman
As everyone holds their piece, reflect on Yeshua's sacrifice, then eat together after the blessing:
"Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth."
The Cup of Redemption is based on God's promise: "I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments" (Exodus 6:6).
Yeshua's Words
Yeshua likely took this cup and spoke these words:
"This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood." (Luke 22:20)
The New Covenant
Yeshua was quoting from Jeremiah 31:31-34, speaking of a redemption greater than the Exodus - the forgiveness of sins through the Lamb of God.
Drinking the Third Cup
Fill the cup and recite the blessing before drinking:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן׃
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam, borei pri ha-gafen.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
The Tradition
A place is set for Elijah, who will herald the Messiah's coming (Malachi 4:5). A child is sent to open the door to see if Elijah has come.
Has Elijah Come?
John the Baptist came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17) to announce Yeshua's first coming!
The fourth and final cup is the Cup of Praise—a cup of rejoicing and consummation. It represents the promise: "I will take you as My people" (Exodus 6:7).
Drinking the Fourth Cup
Fill the cup one final time and drink after the blessing, celebrating our freedom in Messiah!
Songs of Praise
We conclude by singing the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), just as Yeshua and His disciples did before going to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30).
The Traditional Closing
לְשָׁנָה הַבָּאָה בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם!
L'Shanah HaBa'ah B'Yerushalayim!
"Next Year in Jerusalem!"
Our Hope
For believers in Yeshua, this expresses our hope in His return. As surely as He came once to redeem us from sin, He will come again to establish His kingdom!
"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Happy Passover!
May this Seder deepen your faith in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!