The Passover, originating in the Old Testament, is a profound event rich with symbolism that extends into the New Testament and Christian theology. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12. The Passover is not only a historical event but also a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

The Lamb

Central to the Passover is the lamb, which each Israelite household was commanded to sacrifice. The lamb had to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection (Exodus 12:5). This unblemished lamb prefigures Jesus Christ, whom the New Testament identifies as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the angel of death, the blood of Christ offers protection and salvation from eternal death for believers.

The Blood

The blood of the Passover lamb, applied to the doorposts and lintels of the Israelite homes, served as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" those houses, sparing the firstborn from death (Exodus 12:7, 13). This act of faith and obedience is symbolic of the believer's faith in the sacrificial blood of Christ, which brings redemption and reconciliation with God. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this connection, stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Unleavened Bread

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which begins with Passover, involves the removal of leaven from the home, symbolizing the removal of sin. Leaven, or yeast, often represents sin and corruption in the Bible (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The unleavened bread eaten during Passover signifies purity and a break from the past life of bondage. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), further linking the symbolism of the Passover meal to His body, broken for the salvation of humanity.

Bitter Herbs

The consumption of bitter herbs during the Passover meal serves as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:8). This element of the meal symbolizes the suffering and hardship endured by the Israelites, and by extension, the suffering of Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the bitterness of sin and the need for deliverance.

The Passover Meal

The Passover meal, or Seder, is a time of remembrance and celebration of God's deliverance. In the New Testament, Jesus transforms the Passover meal into the Lord's Supper during the Last Supper with His disciples (Luke 22:14-20). He institutes the practice of communion, using the bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood, establishing a new covenant with His followers.

Deliverance and Freedom

At its core, Passover symbolizes deliverance and freedom. For the Israelites, it was deliverance from physical bondage in Egypt. For Christians, it represents deliverance from spiritual bondage to sin and death through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Passover thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the ultimate redemption available through Christ.

The Passover's rich symbolism continues to hold deep theological significance, illustrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Through the lens of Passover, believers gain a deeper understanding of the sacrificial love of Christ and the profound nature of salvation.