Matthew 26:17 refers to the time before the Feast of Unleavened Bread when the disciples asked Jesus where to prepare for the Passover. This event likely occurred late on Abib 13 or just after sunset on Abib 14. Mark 14:12 mentions the beginning of the season of Unleavened Bread, when the disciples asked Jesus about preparing for the Passover. At this time, people were in the process of sacrificing lambs or making preparations for the Passover, which was to be killed between sunset and dark as Abib 14 began. Luke 22:7-8 describes the Day of Unleavened Bread as the time when the Passover must be killed. This refers to the season of unleavened bread, which starts on Abib 13, when Jews would dispose of leaven and prepare unleavened bread for the Passover meal. The Passover was sacrificed during this time, even though the Feast of Unleavened Bread did not begin until Abib 15.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke each contain language that appears to place Jesus and the disciples' Passover preparations and observance on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Matthew 26:17 reads, "Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, 'Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?'" This translation introduces an impossibility because God's instructions to Israel state that Passover is the day before the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a holy convocation on which no customary work is to be done, according to Leviticus 23:7.

The first day of Unleavened Bread began last night as we were observing the Night To Be Much Observed as part of it, and it continued on until sunset the following evening. The first day of Unleavened Bread deserves to be called very significant and very important to Christians. Those calling themselves Christian, but who are of this world, have cast this day aside along with other of God's festivals as having no importance at all. However, its relevance and significance as a symbol and as a memorial of an important event continues to this day. The first day of Unleavened Bread memorializes a number of distinctive events, including prophecy, promises, and fulfillments that God made in the distant past, and those prophecies and promises are continuing to be fulfilled by God to this very day. It is these, combined with God's faithfulness, that make this day so significant. But attacks against the observance of the first day of Unleavened Bread and the other festivals of God continue, and even against the Night To Be Much Observed.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread is significant as it marks the beginning of a seven-day period during which no leavened bread is to be eaten, as instructed in Exodus 12:15-20. This day is also notable for the removal of leaven from homes, symbolizing the removal of sin. In the New Testament, this day is referenced in connection with the Last Supper, as seen in Matthew 26:17, where preparations for the Passover are made on this day.

The keeping of the First Day of Unleavened Bread, along with the eating of unleavened bread for seven days, is intended by God to serve as a reminder of what He has done for us. This day is particularly significant because, at this early stage in our conversion, we have not overcome much on our own. God emphasizes that the eating of unleavened bread is a personal reminder, as seen in the instruction to tell one's son, 'This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.' It reflects an individual bringing out of bondage, directly tied to God's action. The reason for eating unleavened bread is rooted in God's strength, as He brought us out of Egypt by His hand. This act sets the stage for our part in the process, but it is clear that our role exists only because of what He initiates. The First Day of Unleavened Bread marks the moment when Israel was already out of Egypt, not through a prolonged process over seven days, but in one day, symbolizing that when God forgives, it is immediate and complete. They were out of literal Egypt, though still within its broader territory, and this was almost entirely by God's work. Eating unleavened bread on this day does not initially picture coming out of sin but rather what God has done first, followed by our submission to His lead. It symbolizes following God, which is an act of righteousness. When we follow Him, we engage in righteousness, making it nearly impossible to sin. Thus, the emphasis of the First Day of Unleavened Bread is on doing what is right, proactively following God's way, rather than merely avoiding sin. This day also marks the beginning of Israel's journey out of Egypt, when they started following God's lead, as seen with the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day. Their obedience in taking those first steps out of bondage, after sacrificing the lamb and forsaking most of their belongings, highlights that true separation from the world begins with following Him. The First Day of Unleavened Bread memorializes God's act of freeing us from bondage, serving as the starting point for our journey of obedience and righteousness.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread holds significant meaning as it marks the beginning of a journey out of bondage, as orchestrated by God. On this day, as recorded in Exodus 13:3, God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, accomplishing His purpose to free them from the hand of the Egyptians and to lead them out of the land of their captivity. This event is not primarily about the Israelites coming out of sin, but about what God did to release them from their bondage. The eating of unleavened bread serves as a memorial of God's action, reminding us that it was He who initiated and executed their deliverance. The context of the First Day of Unleavened Bread emphasizes God's overwhelming role in the process of liberation. The Israelites did very little; their primary action was to follow God's lead. At nightfall, at the start of the Days of Unleavened Bread, they went out of Egypt, signifying that they were no longer of the world, even though they were still within its territory. This departure on the first day illustrates that their exit from the place of bondage was almost entirely a work of God. The eating of unleavened bread on this day and throughout the seven days is a command from God to remember what He did. It symbolizes following God's lead, as the Israelites did by obeying Him and walking away from Egypt, guided by the pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day. This act of following God is equated with obedience and righteousness, highlighting a positive approach to doing what is right rather than merely avoiding sin. God expects us to walk away from the world and follow His guidance, just as the Israelites did on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, trusting in His provision and direction for our salvation.