Exhibition

In New Testament times Passover was a pilgrim festival. Large numbers of people gathered in Jerusalem to observe this celebration. As written in scripture, the time of Passover had come. Jesus sent His disciples ahead to pursue a man carrying a water jug, who would lead them to an "upper room" prepared for them.

Here we see Jesus and His Twelve Disciples celebrating Passover. To the right we see a doorway, which led them upstairs. Beside the doorway we see a bench and water basin for foot washing. When they had entered, Jesus washed the feet of each Disciple, took His garment and dried them. Jesus was showing them an example of servanthood, something we as followers must have towards mankind no one is superior. It's a clear night the stars light the sky to a brilliant sapphire blue. The room is lit with torches and oil lamps, large jars hold wine and water.

On the wall, three carpets with three themes.
First, "Victory", the burgundy carpet, has the letter V, palm branches, and the ram. We see palms arranged in the shape of a "V" and the letter throughout the design. Palm branches are symbolic of Christ's victory over sin and death. The ram which fights with the wolf and overcomes him, thus so Christ battles with Satan and is victorious.

Second, “Holy Communion", grapes-wine and grain-bread.
Third, we have the beautiful blue carpet, "The Church". The Greek cross along the border symbolizes the Church of Christ. The willow tree flourishes and remains whole, no matter how many branches are cut. Therefore, it symbolizes the Gospel of Christ, which remains intact. Also the pomegranate refers to the Church, as we see the inner unity of countless seeds in one...Christ. Passover commemorates the Israelites' last meal in Egypt... their slavery, and liberation under God.

As seen on the table the meal consists of a lamb- symbolic of the blood of the lamb put on the doorpost so no plague would come to them, they would be "passed over". Bitter herbs symbolic of the bitterness of captivity under the Egyptians. And unleavened bread, which does not require kneading nor time for rising. The meal is almost over. This is the moment when Jesus takes the bread, gives praise and thanks and says, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me". And He passed the bread to His disciples to eat. As we see, Jesus is in the middle of his twelve disciples. As written in scripture, John is to His right. "The beloved" disciple is dressed in red... the color of love. Beside him is his older brother James the Greater.

Then we see Peter, passionate Peter said he would never deny Jesus...he would die for Him. Yet, as Jesus had said, Peter denied Him three times that night. Peter is clothed in golden yellow, symbolic of revealed faith. And a key hangs from his belt... the key to Heaven. Peter was one of the first two Disciples called by Jesus. He and his brother Andrew, beside him, were fishermen. Andrew was the first Disciple to be called. Then Philip, who Jesus called along with Andrew and Peter. And Bartholomew.

Look along the sides of the table, there are symbols, one concerning each Disciple. Along the edge beside Bartholomew, we see a knife the instrument of his eventual martyrdom. He was flayed alive and crucified. Next we see the "T", tau-cross, which we identify the martyrdom of Philip...crucified. Then Andrew, who was later tortured and tied to a cross to prolong his suffering, this cross was in the shape of a "X". Following the edge of the table, we see an upside down cross. Peter was crucified head down... he felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ. Next is the sword, James the Greater was beheaded upon his return from one of many trips, spreading the Gospel. For John we see a cup and snake, representing a cup of poison he was ordered to drink... when he lifted the cup the poison departed as a snake. And the Latin cross, representing the cross of Christ's crucifixion.

To Jesus' left is Thomas, remembered for his "doubting", his symbol is the spear the instrument of his eventual martyrdom. Next is Judas Thaddaeus and Simon, supposedly they traveled together ministering, during this time Judas was beheaded with a halberd and Simon sawed asunder. Now we come to Judas Iscariot, all bent over- he hasn't touched his food, his head cover is painted a dingy yellow which suggests deceit and treason... he betrayed Jesus. Scripture tells us, at this time Satan had already entered Judas... symbolic of the devil an owl is perched behind him, glaring at him as if urging him on. Following the symbols we see a rope for Judas, his last act was to hang himself. Next is Matthew, who wrote and preached, he was martyred... beheaded with an ax. And last, James the Less, a relative of Jesus, was also martyred, beat to death with a club.

As we look back to Jesus he looks straight at us. Yes, His body was broken for us. His halo implies His holiness. Behind Him we see steps going up, stairs symbolize change. Each step represents a change to come: 1-Judas betrays Him 2-The people turn on Him 3-He is beaten and thrown in prison 4-He is crucified 5-He dies and is buried 6-He is resurrected 7-He ascends to Heaven. At the top of the stairs the atmosphere is heavenly, look closely and you will see an impression of a dove... the Holy Spirit to come.