In the time of Jesus, the Passover meal was celebrated as follows: the head of the family, after pronouncing the blessing over the wine, would taste it and pass it to the others; then all would drink it together. Next, unleavened bread was distributed, and each person, taking it with their fingers, dipped their portion into a common dish.
After the discourse delivered by the head of the family on the benefits of God—mentioning the liberation from Egypt—the Passover lamb was served, which they ate with the unleavened bread and bitter herbs. With this, the meal itself came to an end. The father would then take some unleavened bread, break it (this is the bread that Jesus transformed into his body), and distribute it. Afterwards, the third cup of wine was served (the cup whose wine Jesus consecrated, transforming it into his blood).
The gathering could continue until a late hour and concluded with the recitation of the Hallel.
[Adapted from the Biblical Dictionary of Spadafora]
