ⓒ 2004 WATV

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread is a feast of affliction. On the time of Exodus, the Israelites kept the Passover and set out toward Canaan. However, the Egyptian army chased them right away and the Israelites couldn't feel at ease until they crossed the Red Sea by the power of God. To commemorate the suffering of those days, the Feast of the Unleavened Bread was appointed.

The affliction the Israelites suffered after celebrating the Passover was a copy of that of Jesus Christ. Actually, after celebrating the Passover, Jesus was captured that night; and on the next day He fulfilled the prophecy of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread by suffering various things and being crucified on the cross.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

In the Old Testament times, the Israelites commemorated their ancestors' suffering on the time of Exodus by eating unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, and bitter herbs; but in the New Testament times, the affliction of Jesus is commemorated by fasting. The people of Zion, who participated in the Christ's flesh and blood on the Passover, kept the Feast of the Unleavened Bread on April 6 (January 15 by the sacred year) by fasting, according to the teaching of Jesus, "But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast" (Mark 2:20).

On that day, our holy Mother offered prayer of thanks to our heavenly Father, who was sacrificed as the Passover Lamb for our salvation and suffered afflictions on the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. And She prayed that we might comprehend how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Father who willingly suffered all things for us sinners, and that we might realize the value of our salvation and do our best in loving brothers and saving souls. Mother's prayer reminded us that what God pleases most is to lead sinners to repent, and that if a man has realized Gold's love, he is to save souls.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized that we should follow Christ, bearing our own cross. The cross Christ carried was just ours we were to carry, and we ourselves were the worst sinners who afflicted Christ (1Tim.1:15).

On this day, Zion's people resolved to crucify their sinful nature on the cross and willingly follow the thorny paths Christ trod ahead. And they gave glory to God who would refine them like gold through affliction and then let them enter the heavenly kingdom.