For several years at my church I have led a Maundy Thursday gathering and service for Passover and the Last Supper. I designed this layout. While elements are taken from the post‑70 AD Seder meal, many theologians believe that a proto‑Seder (an earlier form of the Passover meal with symbolic actions, blessings, and shared foods) was already practiced in Jesus’ time. In other words, although the formal Seder liturgy developed later, the patterns, symbols, and actions that shaped it were already present in Jewish life, and Jesus would have participated in them.
What we do here is not an attempt to recreate the Last Supper exactly, but to engage with the closest living tradition that reflects the kind of meal Jesus shared with His disciples. For Christians, this becomes a meaningful way to enter the story — honouring Jewish roots, traditions, and our shared inheritance while recognising how Jesus fulfilled and transformed these symbols in the Last Supper and in Communion. Its wonderful and reflective evening.
The Seder Meal
Below is everything you will need to prepare before the evening.
Please read carefully and gather the items in advance so you can participate without rushing.
1. ITEMS NEEDED
Please have the following ready and placed in front of you before we begin.
For the Meal
- Matzah / flatbread (any plain flatbread is fine — 1 whole piece per person)
- Wine or grape juice
- Water
- Salt water
- Parsley or celery (any green herb/veg is fine)
- Bitter herbs (horseradish, rocket, or romaine lettuce)
- Charoset or a simple sweet mixture, such as:
- chopped apple + honey
- apple sauce
- dates or raisins mashed with a little water
- A boiled egg (symbol of sacrifice and new life)
- A candle and matches
- Two glasses (one for water, one for wine)
- A small bowl, cup, or egg cup for the salt water. (Mixing your own water and salt is acceptable)
Symbolic Roles
- Women will pour the water (symbol of purity, life, and cleansing)
- Men will pour the wine (symbol of covenant, sacrifice, and strength)
If you live alone — or prefer not to follow these symbolic roles — simply pour each one yourself.
2. DAYENU — EXODUS READING (GROUP PARTICIPATION)
During the evening, we will follow the Jewish Custom of Passover and the Dayenu — DAY‑EN‑U (“It would have been enough”). While the Dayenu is a traditional Jewish song that expresses gratitude by remembering each act of God in the Exodus story and declaring, “It would have been enough,” we will read each part. It teaches us to pause, recognise God’s faithfulness step by step, and give thanks even for the smallest mercies. It also reminds us that each act of God — on its own — is sufficient reason to trust, follow, and live in relationship with Him.
Below are ten short parts.Please consider volunteering to read one. Any remaining parts will be assigned before we begin.
Part 1
If God had only brought us out of Egypt…
We would say: Dayenu — it would have been enough.
Part 2
If God had only executed justice against the Egyptians… Dayenu.
Part 3
If God had only parted the Red Sea… Dayenu.
Part 4
If God had only led us through on dry ground… Dayenu.
Part 5
If God had only provided for us in the wilderness… Dayenu.
Part 6
If God had only given us the Sabbath… Dayenu.
Part 7
If God had only brought us to Mount Sinai… Dayenu.
Part 8
If God had only given us the commandments… Dayenu.
Part 9
If God had only brought us into the Promised Land… Dayenu.
Part 10
If God had only built the Temple for us… Dayenu.
3. SCRIPTURE FOR THE PASSOVER
To help prepare — and to avoid scrambling to find passages — here are the Bible readings we will follow during the Seder and Last Supper.
Please bookmark these in advance.
I will also screenshare all readings, so feel free to simply read along if that’s easier.
Passover / Exodus Themes
- Exodus 12:1–14 — The Passover instructions
- Exodus 12:21–28 — The people prepare
- Exodus 12:29–42 — The night of deliverance
- Exodus 13:3–10 — Remembering the Exodus
- Deuteronomy 5:12–15 — Sabbath as liberation
The Last Supper
After the Seder, we will move into the Last Supper and reenact communion together, as Jesus performed it.
1. REENACTMENT
If you need extra bread or wine/grape juice, please have these ready. There should be some saved during the evening, but having back up is sometimes needed.
2. SCRIPTURE FOR THE LAST SUPPER
- Luke 22:7–20
- Matthew 26:17–30
You do not need to read these in advance — but having them marked will help follow the flow.
3. YOUR PERSONAL PREPARATION
Your Personal Dayenu to Jesus. Please prepare one sentence beginning with:
“If Jesus had only…”
This should be something Jesus has done in your life that you are thankful for. An act of gratitude for Him, His act of sacrifice for us, and our ongoing relationship with Him.
Examples:
- “If Jesus had only chosen me…”
- “If Jesus had only healed me…”
- “If Jesus had only forgiven me…”
- “If Jesus had only given me hope…”
- “If Jesus had only made me a parent…”
- “If Jesus had only made me a grandparent…”
Please write this down before the evening.
We will share these together.
Final Note
Please gather all items before the evening begins and place them in front of you.
If it helps, prepare everything on a tray.
Gather: 7.45pm - Start: 8.00pm - Finish: 9.45–10.00pm
We will guide you gently through each step of the night. We look forward to seeing you and doing this evening together.
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