Celebrate ‘Passover’ on Maundy Thursday

PALMER — Many know the Leonardo da Vinci painting “The Last Supper.” Jesus’ last supper was actually a Jewish Passover.

Rob Wertheim of Jews for Jesus will recreate the traditional Jewish Passover in a worship service at 7:30 p.m., April 17 at St. John Lutheran Church at 440 East Elmwood, Palmer.

Wertheim will explain how the Passover event foreshadowed Jesus’ death and resurrection in a presentation called “Christ in the Passover” during the Maundy Thursday communion worship service at St. John.

Wertheim will set a table with items traditionally used at the Passover meal and detail their spiritual significance.

He will also explain the connection between the events of the first Passover in Egypt and the redemption that Jesus accomplished, as well as the deep bond between the ancient Passover feast and the Christian communion celebration today.

Wertheim, born in New York, is the son of a holocaust survivor. He works with Jews for Jesus. This organization has presented “Christ in the Passover” at more than 38,000 churches. In addition to St. John, he will be making presentations at other local churches during Holy Week.

All in the Mat-Su community are invited to come to worship at St. John on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. and to hear the presentation by Wertheim. This worship service and presentation follows a Passover meal of lamb at 6 p.m. at St. John. While reservations and a cost apply to the meal (call 745-3338), the presentation and worship service are free.