The Passover was one of the most important observances for the Israelites. Every Israelite was expected to observe it. Much was done to prepare for the Passover.

All tombs in close proximity to Jerusalem were to be painted white during the month leading up to the Passover. It was a law that any person found dead in the field was to be buried where found. The tomb was to be painted white to caution anyone passing by not to touch the tomb. Otherwise, the person touching it would be unclean for the Passover.

Two weeks before the Passover, the flocks and herds were to be tithed. The Temple treasury chests were publicly opened and emptied. Then, many of the Israelites went up to Jerusalem to purify themselves. They did this to make absolutely sure they were spiritually clean for the Passover. They were not to eat of the Passover feast if they were unclean.

In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Christ is said to be our Passover. This means he is our sacrificed Lamb whose blood must be over us at the Judgment. In 1 Corinthians 11: 27-29, we read, "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."

It is very important that each person partaking of the Lord's Supper make sure that he is spiritually clean. It is absolutely necessary to be spiritually clean when one observes the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is very important. The bread and the juice represent the body and blood of Jesus. Just as the Passover was a very serious spiritual event, so is the Lord's Supper. It is not to be taken lightly and without thought. Proper preparation and proper thought is to be given toward it.

Make sure you know how to properly examine yourself. Read and study God's Word, the Bible. Help others know how to properly examine themselves. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Have you ever watched a movie or television program set in a court of law? Did you notice that when an individual was called to testify that he was asked to raise a hand with the palm facing forward? Then he was asked to swear or affirm that what he was going to say was the truth and nothing but the truth. The other hand was placed on a Bible.

By placing a hand on the Bible, the individual is saying that he is swearing on the Word of God that he will tell the truth. The person is admitting that God is the ultimate witness to his testimony. The practice came from the belief that no one should willingly lie after swearing on a Bible, and that he will tell the truth.

In Exodus 17:16, we read, "For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." The word 'sworn' is from a Hebrew word meaning "to raise the hand." God originated the practice of holding up the hand in swearing an oath. In fact, when making the promise to Abraham, God used this same word (Genesis 22). In this case, he promised that the nation of Amalek would suffer punishment for its actions against Israel.

Normally one must swear by one greater than himself. But God cannot swear by one greater because God is the greatest. There is no higher authority than God. He can only swear by himself (Hebrews 6:13).

I am glad we have such a powerful God. I am glad he loves us enough to make wonderful promises to us. He has always kept his promises and oaths in the past, so we know he will keep them now and in the future.

Keep reading and studying your Bible. Learn all you can about our great God. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.