Passover

Ashley Breanne
Jul 6
4 min read

“Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever.”— Exodus 12:17

Passover represents deliverance and redemption through the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:7, 13). It commemorates how God rescued Israel from Egypt through the blood of a spotless lamb (Exodus 12:3–6, 12–13) and prophetically points to Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7), whose sacrificial death was the ultimate offering that brings eternal redemption and freedom from sin (1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 9:12, 26; Ephesians 1:7). Through Him, God’s deliverance is not only remembered but fulfilled, and will one day be celebrated again in His Kingdom (Luke 22:15–18; Matthew 26:29).

Read: Exodus 12:1–30, 12:3, 12:6–7, 12:13–14, 12:21–28, 12:24, 12:43–51, 12:46; 13:3–10; 23:15; 34:18, 34:25; Leviticus 23:4–5; Numbers 9:1–14; 33:3; Deuteronomy 16:1–8; Psalm 34:20; 78:51; 105:36; 106:7–13; 114; 136:10–12; Isaiah 53:4–7; Zechariah 9:9; John 1:29; 2:13; 6:53–56; 11:55; 12:1, 12:12–15; 13:1; 18:28, 18:39; 19:14, 19:31–36; Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; 15:33–37; Luke 22:7–20; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8; 11:23–26; Romans 3:21–25; 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:11–15; 9:26; 10:19–22; Revelation 5:6–14; 5:12; 7:9–17; 19:9.

Fulfillment:Passover, instituted to remember Israel’s deliverance from slavery (Exodus 12:14–17), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). His sacrificial death brings eternal redemption and freedom from sin (Hebrews 9:12, 26; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:22). Through His sacrifice, the physical rituals of Passover are fulfilled once and for all (Hebrews 10:10–14), yet believers are called to remember Passover and proclaim His death until He returns (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26), looking forward to the eternal celebration in God’s Kingdom (Matthew 26:29; Revelation 19:7–9).

How Jesus Perfectly Fulfilled the Passover Lamb:

Entered Jerusalem on Nisan 10, the day lambs were selected (Exodus 12:3; John 12:12–15); Examined for 4 days, just as the lamb was to be inspected (Exodus 12:3–6; Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:66–71); Spotless and without blemish (Exodus 12:5; 1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 4:15); Silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12–14; Mark 15:3–5); Sacrificed on Nisan 14, at the same time as the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:5; Mark 15:33–37); None of His bones were broken (Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20; John 19:31–36); His blood brings salvation and covers sin (Exodus 12:7, 13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12).

Why Celebrate Passover?

Because God commanded it to be remembered forever: Passover isn’t just a Jewish tradition—it’s a God-appointed feast to be observed for all generations.→ “You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever.”(Exodus 12:24)

To remember God's mighty deliverance: Just as Israel was saved from slavery and death, we remember how God delivered us through the blood of the Lamb.→ “It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover... when He struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.”(Exodus 12:27)

Because Jesus is our Passover Lamb: The Passover lamb pointed forward to Jesus—the perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sins.→ “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)→ “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Because Jesus celebrated it and established a new covenant through it: Jesus didn’t abolish Passover, He fulfilled it and gave it deeper meaning centered on His body and blood.→ “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” (Luke 22:15)→ “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

To teach the next generation about redemption: God designed Passover as a teaching tool to pass on the story of salvation, first in Egypt, then through Christ.→ “When your children say... you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover...’” (Exodus 12:26–27)

To proclaim the gospel until Jesus returns: Passover now points to the cross and boldly proclaims: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”→ “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

To look ahead to the future Passover feast with Christ: Jesus promised He would celebrate it again—this time in His Kingdom, with His redeemed.→ “I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:16)→ “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9)

God’s appointed times are not just for the past: they reveal His plan, His character, and His Son. Passover points us to Jesus!

God didn’t give us holidays. He gave us holy days, appointed times that reveal His heart and plan for our salvation. Too often, the pagan feast of Easter has replaced God’s true Feasts, mixing man-made traditions with what God intended to be holy and set apart.

But whether Jew or Gentile, we are grafted into God’s family by His grace (Romans 11:17; Ephesians 2:12–13). So today, let’s return to what God Himself has appointed. Let’s remember our deliverance, celebrate our Redeemer, and reject the empty rituals of this world. Let’s stand boldly and proclaim with all our hearts: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” (Revelation 5:12)

Let’s celebrate the feast, not in bondage, but in gratitude. Not by tradition, but by truth.