Introduction:
The Passover Festival, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant and ancient feasts in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event is foundational to Jewish identity and has profound theological implications for Christians, symbolizing redemption and foreshadowing the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Origin:
The Passover is instituted in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron to instruct the Israelites on the observance of this festival. The Lord declares, "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year" (Exodus 12:2). The Israelites are to take a lamb without blemish, slaughter it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This act serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites during the final plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 12:13).

Observance Details:
The Passover is observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, in the Hebrew calendar. The festival begins with the Passover meal, which includes the eating of unleavened bread and bitter herbs, as a reminder of the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt and the bitterness of their bondage. The Lord commands, "You are to eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover" (Exodus 12:11).

The Feast of Unleavened Bread:
Following the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is celebrated for seven days. During this time, no leaven is to be found in the homes of the Israelites, symbolizing the removal of sin and the purity required by God. "For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day, you are to remove the leaven from your houses" (Exodus 12:15).

Historical Significance:
The Passover is a pivotal event in Israel's history, marking their liberation from Egyptian oppression and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and power, as He fulfills His promise to Abraham to deliver his descendants. The annual observance serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Christological Fulfillment:
For Christians, the Passover holds additional significance as it prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). The timing of Jesus' crucifixion during the Passover festival underscores the connection between the deliverance from physical bondage in Egypt and the spiritual deliverance from sin through Christ's atoning sacrifice.

New Testament Observance:
The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is understood to be a Passover meal. During this meal, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, saying, "This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). The breaking of bread and sharing of the cup become central elements of Christian worship, symbolizing the new covenant in Christ's blood.

Contemporary Observance:
Today, Jewish communities around the world continue to celebrate Passover with a Seder meal, which includes the retelling of the Exodus account, prayers, and traditional foods. For Christians, the themes of redemption and deliverance celebrated during Passover are echoed in the observance of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:
The Passover Festival remains a profound symbol of God's deliverance and faithfulness, deeply rooted in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Its observance continues to remind believers of the historical and spiritual significance of God's redemptive work throughout history.