Messiah in the Passover
One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had since joining Bethel was hosting a “Messiah in the Passover” dinner a few years ago. The good news is if you missed it, you’ll have another chance to attend on April 9 at 6:00 pm! We’ve invited Derek Blumenthal from Chosen People Ministries to guide us through a traditional Jewish Seder, or Passover meal. Along the way, he will highlight the many ways Christ is revealed in the Passover. Here’s a little more about Derek and the “Messiah in the Passover” experience:
Derek, can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you grew up, where you went to school, and how you came to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior?
“I was born in Philadelphia but grew up mostly in Southern New Jersey. My father is Jewish, and my mother is not. Although I wasn’t raised in a particularly religious home, our Jewish culture was always an important part of our family life. During high school, some friends invited me to start attending Young Life meetings with them. Young Life is a Christian ministry for teens, and it was through hearing the Gospel at these meetings, along with experiencing the love of the Messiah through my friends and Young Life leaders, that I gave my life to Jesus. Interestingly, this happened on my 16th birthday, so I celebrate both my physical birth and spiritual rebirth on the same day each year!
When I was a freshman at Drexel University in Philadelphia, I attended a campus Bible study where a guest speaker—who happened to be the first other Jewish believer I had ever met— spoke about Messianic Judaism and ministry to Jewish people. God used that moment to ignite a passion in my heart for this particular ministry, which I eventually decided to pursue.”
Derek and His Family
Tell us about “Messiah in the Passover.” How have you seen it impact people’s lives, and why should folks attend?
“I’ve been involved in Jewish ministry for 15 years, and during that time, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the Gospel through the Passover Seder many times, often with Jewish people who have not yet believed. I couldn’t even begin to count how many times I’ve seen the light bulb go on in people’s minds as they connect the rituals of the Seder, the history of Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt, and the salvation offered to all through Yeshua, our Passover Lamb. It’s a deeply rich and edifying experience that I believe your church will love. I encourage you to ask your congregants to pray about inviting their Jewish friends and neighbors to the event, as they will hear the Gospel clearly presented. Let’s see what God will do!”
I am really looking forward to experiencing another “Messiah in the Passover” dinner, and I hope you are as well. We will serve Lee’s Chicken with all the sides and you can register on the sign-up sheet at the round table in the People of Hope Center or by calling the church office by Monday, April 7. We will have a basket to collect donations for the dinner, with a suggested amount of at least $10 per person. Additionally, we will take up a love offering for Chosen People Ministries. This event will be a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday, which is on April 20.
Also, don’t miss our special Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 pm on April 17. This service is always a very somber and reflective experience. And please invite your young friends to our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
I’m looking forward to these many unique ways we can learn about and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Each of these events will help us live out our vision of Knowing, Growing, and Going in the Love of Christ. May God bless Derek and his ministry, and may God bless you, your family, and Bethel Baptist Church!
-Todd