Passover is one of the most important festivals in the Bible. It remembers how God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Bible gives us clear instructions and reminders about this special event.
In this article, we'll look at the key scriptures about Passover. These verses help us understand what happened, why it matters, and how we can learn from it today.
What Is Passover?
Passover began during the time of Moses. God told Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, where they were slaves. Before Pharaoh let them go, God sent ten plagues. The last plague was the death of the firstborn. But God told the Israelites to mark their doors with the blood of a lamb. When the angel of death saw the blood, he passed over their homes.
This is where the name "Passover" comes from. It's about God's mercy and power.
Main Scriptures About Passover
The Bible talks about Passover in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are some of the most important verses.
1. Exodus 12:1–30
This is where God gives the first instructions for Passover. He tells Moses and Aaron what the people must do. Each family must sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with the blood.
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” — Exodus 12:13 (NIV)
This verse shows God's protection over His people.
2. Leviticus 23:4–8
This part explains that Passover is one of the Lord's appointed festivals. It must be kept each year.
“These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times.” — Leviticus 23:4 (NIV)
This shows that Passover is not just a tradition. It is God's command.
3. Deuteronomy 16:1–8
This passage reminds the people to celebrate Passover when they enter the Promised Land. It talks about not eating leavened bread and remembering their escape from Egypt.
“Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread… so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.” — Deuteronomy 16:3 (NIV)
This teaches us to remember God's deliverance.
4. Luke 22:7–20
In the New Testament, Jesus celebrates Passover with His disciples. This is known as the Last Supper. Jesus shows that He is the true Passover Lamb.
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” — Luke 22:19 (NIV)
Jesus connects the Old Testament Passover to His sacrifice on the cross.
Meaning of Passover Today
Passover is more than a history lesson. It points to Jesus. Just like the lamb’s blood saved the Israelites, Jesus’ blood saves us from sin and death.
What Passover Teaches Us:
| Lesson | What It Means |
|---|---|
| God is faithful | He keeps His promises |
| God protects | He watches over His people |
| Jesus is our Lamb | His sacrifice gives us life |
| Remember what God has done | Passover reminds us to look back with thanks |
Ways to Reflect on Passover
Even if you’re not Jewish, Passover has deep meaning for Christians too. Here are some ways to reflect:
- Read Exodus 12 with your family
- Take Communion while remembering the Last Supper
- Thank God for His deliverance in your life
- Remove distractions or “leaven” from your heart
Bible Verses to Remember During Passover
| Scripture | Focus |
|---|---|
| Exodus 12:13 | God’s protection |
| Leviticus 23:5 | Obeying God's command |
| John 1:29 | Jesus is the Lamb of God |
| 1 Corinthians 5:7 | Christ is our Passover Lamb |
| Luke 22:19 | Remembering Jesus through communion |
Passover is a time to remember. A time to give thanks. And a time to see how God's plan has always pointed to Jesus.
