Here is an outline for Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi) with additional focus on leaven and unleavened bread as symbols of doctrine, specifically the contrast between YHVH's truth and the teachings of man.
I. Introduction to the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi)Definition and Purpose:
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a seven-day observance beginning immediately after Passover, during which leaven (yeast) is removed from households, and unleavened bread is eaten. It commemorates the Israelites' swift departure from Egypt and symbolizes purity and separation from the law of sin.Exodus 12:17 – "You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your people out of the land of Egypt."II. Origins of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Historical Background in Egypt:
The Israelites left Egypt in haste, with no time for their bread to rise, which led to the tradition of eating unleavened bread (matzah) as a reminder of their urgent exodus.
Exodus 12:39 – "And they baked unleavened cakes... because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait."
Commandment to Observe Unleavened Bread:
YHVH commanded the Israelites to observe the feast annually as a lasting memorial of His deliverance.
Exodus 12:15 – "For seven days you will eat unleavened bread... whoever eats what is leavened will be cut off.
III. Instructions for Observance
Removal of Leaven (Chametz):
During this time, all leaven is removed from homes, symbolizing the removal of our sins, impurity, and human-made doctrines that distort YHVH's truth.
Exodus 13:7 – "Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you."1 Corinthians 5:7-8 – "Get rid of the old yeast... for Y'shua, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."
Eating Unleavened Bread (Matzah):
For seven days, unleavened bread is eaten as a symbol of purity, remembrance, and dependence on YHVH's truth.
Leviticus 23:6 – "On the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to YHVH; for seven days you will eat unleavened bread."IV. Leaven as Symbolic of Human Teachings and Doctrines
Warning Against the "Leaven of the Pharisees":
Y'shua warned His disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees, which represented the corrupting influence of man-made traditions and false teachings.
Matthew 16:6, 12 – "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."Mark 8:15 – "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
Unleavened Bread as a Symbol of YHVH's Pure Doctrine:
Unleavened bread symbolizes the purity and sincerity of YHVH's truth, free from the influence of human teachings or traditions.
1 Corinthians 5:6-8 – "A little leaven leavens the whole lump... let us keep the feast... with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."V. Spiritual Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
Separation from Sin and Worldly Teachings:
The removal of leaven signifies the call to reject sin and human doctrines that distort YHVH's commandments.
1 Peter 2:1-2 – "Put away all malice and all deceit... like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk."
Dependence on YHVH's Word and Provision:
The unleavened bread represents trust in YHVH's provision and a willingness to rely on His Word rather than human understanding.
Deuteronomy 8:3 – "He humbled you... that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of YHVH."VI. Unleavened Bread and the Life of Y'shua
Y'shua as the Unleavened Bread of Life:
Y'shua, sinless and uncorrupted, embodies the purity and truth of YHVH's Word, symbolized by the unleavened bread.
John 6:35 – "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will not hunger."
The Last Supper and Passover:
During the Last Supper, Y'shua used unleavened bread to represent His sinless body, sacrificed for humanity.
Matthew 26:26 – "Y'shua took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body. Do this in remembrance of me'"VII. Unleavened Bread in Early Christian ObservanceThe Early Believers' Practice:
Early followers of Y'shua continued to observe Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, seeing it as an opportunity to reflect on purity, sincerity, and truth in worship.
Acts 20:6 – Paul and his companions observed "the days of Unleavened Bread."1 Corinthians 5:8 – Paul encouraged the believers to keep the feast with "the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."VIII. Modern Observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Hebrew Tradition and Practices:
Hebrew families remove all chametz (leaven) from their homes and eat matzah for seven days. This practice involves deep cleaning and inspection to ensure the removal of leaven as a symbol of purification.
Messianic Hebrews Observance:
Many Messianic Hebrews observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a way to honor YHVH's commandments, recognize Y'shua as the "unleavened" sacrificial lamb, and remember His teaching on true doctrine of the Torah.
IX. Prophetic Significance and Spiritual Application
Rejecting the "Leaven" of False Teachings:
Observing Unleavened Bread is a reminder to seek pure doctrine (Torah) and to be vigilant against teachings that distort or add to YHVH's Word.
Colossians 2:8 – "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition."
Preparation for the Kingdom:
The Feast of Unleavened Bread foreshadows the ultimate purification believers will experience in YHVH's Kingdom, a time when sin and falsehood are removed.
Revelation 21:27 – "Nothing unclean will ever enter it... but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life."
Conclusion: The Importance of Unleavened Bread Today
A Call to Spiritual Purity and Sound Doctrine:
Observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder to reject sin and false teachings and to embrace YHVH's pure truth through his Torah of Y'shua.
Psalm 119:160 – "The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever."
Honoring YHVH's Deliverance and His Word:
This feast invites believers to commit to a life of holiness, reflecting on YHVH's provision and truth and rejecting doctrines of human teaching.
Matthew 15:9 – "In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
This outline provides a thorough understanding of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi) observed on Nisan 15-22, emphasizing the removal of leaven as symbolic of purging human doctrines and embracing the pure, unaltered Word of YHVH.
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