The Passover, known in Hebrew as "Pesach," is one of the most significant feasts in the Jewish calendar and holds profound theological importance in the Christian tradition. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Passover is a time of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of God's mighty acts of salvation.

Biblical Origins

The origins of the Passover are found in Exodus 12, where God instructs Moses and Aaron on how the Israelites are to prepare for their departure from Egypt. The Lord commands the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes, and eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This act of obedience would protect them from the plague of the firstborn, as the Lord would "pass over" the houses marked by the blood. Exodus 12:13 states, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt."

Observance in Ancient Israel

The Passover was instituted as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites. It was to be celebrated annually on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, as a lasting memorial of God's deliverance. The feast was to be observed with specific rituals, including the removal of leaven from homes, the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, and the gathering of families to partake in the meal. Exodus 12:24-27 emphasizes the importance of this observance: "And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service. When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’"

Passover in the New Testament

The Passover holds significant typological and prophetic meaning in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. His crucifixion coincides with the Passover, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, as a new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:19-20): "And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'"

Theological Significance

For Christians, the Passover is a profound reminder of God's deliverance and the foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death. It underscores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and covenant. The Apostle Paul draws a direct connection between Christ and the Passover in 1 Corinthians 5:7 : "Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

Contemporary Observance

While the Passover is primarily a Jewish festival, many Christians observe it as a way to connect with the roots of their faith and to reflect on the redemptive work of Christ. Some Christian communities hold Passover Seders, incorporating elements of the traditional Jewish meal while highlighting its fulfillment in Jesus. This observance serves as a time of spiritual reflection and gratitude for the deliverance provided through Christ's atoning sacrifice.