The Mystery of the Afikomen

afikoman // äfēˈkōmən

Have you ever heard of the afikomen? This is such an important part of a Passover Seder, yet is often considered to be a tradition shrouded in mystery by the Jewish community.

However, for believers in Jesus, the afikomen might be considered to be one of the most symbolic parts of the seder!

Wondering why? Keep reading!

Early on in the seder, three pieces of matzah are set aside. The middle piece is removed from the trio and broken in half. The larger half of the broken matzah is the afikomen and is wrapped in linen.

In many traditions, the leader of the seder then hides the afikomen from the children, who search for it. It is then redeemed for a small gift.

Now… when Jesus celebrated His last passover with His disciples (aka The Last Supper!), He gave them matzah as a symbol of His body... unleavened (without sin), striped, and pierced.

If you recall back to earlier, do you remember at the beginning of a seder meal how the matzah is broken, wrapped in linen, and hidden away? And then how it reappears after the meal (when found by the children)?

For believers in Jesus, the afikomen represents Jesus’ body broken, wrapped in linen, and buried . . . and raised (reappeared) on the third day! Jesus seems to point to this symbolism at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).

As mentioned above, the afikomen is often considered by the Jewish community to be a tradition shrouded in mystery. Yet it’s a pretty remarkable symbol of Jesus/Yeshua - the Jewish Messiah!

The fact that this is “shrouded in mystery” is a reminder that so many Jewish people have not yet discovered Jesus. Please pray that the eyes of their hearts will be opened to realizing that their Messiah has come! Pray the mystery of the symbolism of this unique tradition will penetrate their hearts in a new way as they celebrate Passover!