Introduction

Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant feasts in the Jewish calendar and holds profound theological importance in Christianity. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, and prefigures the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. This entry explores the historical, theological, and Christological significance of Passover.

Historical Context

The origins of Passover are found in the narrative of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The event is detailed in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses to instruct the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This act would cause the Lord to "pass over" their houses during the final plague—the death of the firstborn. As 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."

Theological Significance

Passover is a profound demonstration of God's power, justice, and mercy. It marks the beginning of the Israelites' journey to freedom and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God. The feast is a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance, as commanded in Exodus 12:14 : "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a perpetual statute for the generations to come."

The Passover lamb is central to the feast, symbolizing substitutionary atonement. The lamb's blood, which spared the Israelites from death, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul draws this parallel in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

Christological Significance

In Christian theology, Passover is seen as a foreshadowing of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Lamb of God, whose death coincides with the Passover festival, emphasizing the fulfillment of the typology. John 1:29 records John the Baptist's declaration: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, transforming the Passover symbols into representations of His body and blood. As recorded in Luke 22:19-20 , Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, "This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Similarly, He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you."

Covenantal Themes

Passover underscores the theme of covenant in the Bible. The deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Sinai established Israel as God's chosen people. In the New Testament, Jesus' death and resurrection inaugurate a new covenant, fulfilling the promises of the old. Hebrews 9:15 explains, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

Conclusion

Passover remains a vital observance in Judaism and a foundational event in Christian theology. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance, the cost of redemption, and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb.