A Passover Question For You

by Autumn Dickson

For my last post this week, we talked about some specifics of Passover in order to better reflect on our free status because of Christ. I really love the Passover. My sister does a Passover meal for Easter each year, and there are so many beautiful traditions associated with it that can teach us about Christ if we choose to explore the symbolism. So I want to talk about a different aspect of Passover.

In Exodus, the Lord teaches His people to keep the Festival of Unleavened Bread (Passover) in Canaan.

Exodus 13:8 ¶ And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

The Israelites were commanded to teach their children about their deliverance. Some of the traditions that formed as a part of this commandment are wonderful.

As the Jews do their Passover meal, they begin with strange ways that are different than any other day. This is meant to provoke curiosity in children. As they move through a couple of these strange steps, there is a ritual called Ma Nishtana. For this ritual, the youngest child would say:

“Why is this night different from all other nights?”

On all other nights we eat leavened and unleavened; tonight only unleavened.

On all other nights we eat all vegetables; tonight bitter herbs.

On all other nights we don’t dip even once; tonight twice.

On all other nights we eat sitting or reclining; tonight we all recline.

This would begin the story telling of how the Israelites were freed from Egypt.

Like with the Israelites on Passover, we, as Latter-day Saints, do things in a peculiar way. We live differently because of what we believe. And when our children (or anyone, for that matter) ask why, how do we answer them?

Because the answer should always connect back to Christ and His deliverance. Whenever we can connect it back to Christ, we should.

Why do we keep the Word of Wisdom? Because it keeps our bodies healthy and strong and better able to hear Christ.

Why do we go to the temple? To try and feel Christ more closely and to receive power from Him.

Why do we go to church every single week? Why do we keep the Sabbath Day Holy? Why are we so careful about our entertainment? Why do we keep the Law of Chastity? Why do we do Family Home Evening and Come Follow Me? Why are we making our lives harder and different?

These are peculiar traditions that were meant to put our lives in order so that we can better feel Christ and serve Him. It is always about Christ because in Christ, we find joy and peace.

When we try to do the gospel without Christ, it’s merely an extra burden. When we utilize the gospel to draw closer to Christ, that’s when it’s life-changing.

Whenever I start to feel like the gospel or church is a burden, I have learned that the problem is forgetting Christ. Let’s talk about it with a direct example.

I try to go to