PASSOVER-- Question # 4

                          PASSOVER-- Question # 4


4. On all other nights we eat while sitting upright, but on this night we eat reclining.

The fourth "question" refers to the ancient custom of eating while reclining on one elbow. It symbolizes the concept of freedom, that Jews would be able to have a celebratory meal while relaxing together and enjoying each others company. This question became part of The Four Questions after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. Originally the fourth question, mentioned in the Talmud (Mishnah Pesachim 10:4) was: "On all other nights we eat meat which has been roasted, stewed, or boiled, but on this night we eat only roasted meat." This original question referred to the practice of sacrificing the Paschal lamb at the Temple, a practice that ceased after the Temple's destruction. Once the sacrificial system was abandoned the rabbis replaced the fourth question with one about reclining during the Passover Seder.

The Messianic or Christian answer also includes “Because our Passover Lamb has bought our freedom. Tonight we remember that we are no longer slaves, but children of the very King of Kings. Free men, royalty, recline while eating. So, as Jesus who reclined at the Last Supper, we too recline tonight, for we are free to come before God who is upon the Throne.”