THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
When consulting a Jew regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread, their response may seem unremarkable; or more aptly, they may articulate various perspectives, yet fail to convey our understanding, as they lack knowledge of the ultimate truth. They might recount how the Egyptians, who once oppressed us, were ultimately compelled by God to expel us forcefully, despite having previously restrained us without allowing even a moment to leaven the dough. However, if one were to ask me, the discussion would shift from Egypt and Pharaoh to liberation from demonic deception and the shadows of darkness, moving away from Moses to the Son of God, from the parting of the Red Sea to the transformative act of baptism, which bestows countless blessings and immerses the old man in its waters.
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Furthermore, if you inquire why a Jew strictly shuns leaven, they may remain silent, as the reasons are deeply rooted in typology and the necessity to guide them away from sinful inclinations, ensuring they do not linger indefinitely in obscurity. Let us clarify the purpose behind the Jews' rigorous exclusion of leaven. It symbolizes that a believer must rid themselves of all vices. Just as a Jew is condemned for harboring old leaven, so too will it be with us if any vice takes root in our lives. For if those who dwell in the shadows endure such penalties, we are surely subject to greater consequences. If they cleanse their homes of leaven to the extent of inspecting every hidden nook, how much more diligently should we examine our own souls, ensuring the removal of every impure thought. While this practice was once significant, it has diminished, now it appears wherever a Jew is present. The presence of unleavened bread in cities often becomes more a matter of jest than adherence to the law. With the arrival of truth, speculation is rendered obsolete. Thus, Paul, using this metaphor, forcefully excommunicates the man guilty of incest from the Church. He emphasizes that his presence is not merely unhelpful; it endangers the entire body by spreading his corruption. When decay is concealed within and its source is unknown, the contamination is attributed to the whole body. Consequently, the apostle passionately calls for the purification of the leaven: “that ye may be,” he states, “a new dough, since ye are leavenless: for our Passover, Christ, was slain for us.” (1 Cor. 5:7) He does not simply say that Christ died but uses the term 'slain,' which closely aligns with the subject at hand. Therefore, seek not the same unleavened bread, for your Lamb is different; seek not the same leaven, for your unleavened bread is unique.
The consumption of unleavened bread for seven days signifies a commitment to purity throughout one’s life. Anyone who retains leavened bread is subject to ruin, for the decay of the old self is harmful and cannot coexist with the righteousness and holiness of the new creation. It is evident that with leaven present, the destruction of a person is entirely justified; however, if we interpret leaven simply as everyday bread leaven, it may appear that God unjustly imposes this burden on the people by prohibiting leavened bread. Truth is often conveyed through images, yet it becomes evident and recognized within the reality it signifies, much like the anointing with blood that may seem unworthy of God but transforms when viewed through the lens of truth.
Thus, let them partake of unleavened bread for seven days, adhering to the sevenfold timeframe established in this world, consuming the earthly provisions mandated by the law. Yet, our Passover is the offering of Christ, and we possess a new dough symbolizing His sacred union, so that, fully leavened with superior grace, we might be united with His Spirit. Moreover, I have infused the kingdom of heaven itself with mixed leaven, represented by the three measures of wheat flour. Hence, the Passover is fulfilled.