Biblical Feast

Passover (Pesach) originates in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites were enslaved in ancient Egypt for generations until God, through Moses, demanded their release from Pharaoh. When Pharaoh refused, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, the last being the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with lamb’s blood so the angel of death would “pass over” their homes-hence the name Passover. After this final plague, Pharaoh relented, and the Israelites fled Egypt in such haste that their bread did not have time to rise, leading to the tradition of eating matzah (unleavened bread). This moment marked the birth of the Israelite nation and is remembered annually as a celebration of freedom and divine deliverance. 

Instruction: Exodus 12:14 (CJB)

This will be a day for you to remember and celebrate as a festival to Adonai; from generation to generation you are to celebrate it by a perpetual regulation. 

Additional verses:

• Exodus 12: 1-30
• Exodus 12: 43-49
• Exodus 13: 3-10
• Leviticus 23:4-8
• Numbers 9: 1-14
• Deuteronomy 16: 1-8
• Psalm 78:43-51
• Isaiah 53:7
• Matthew 26:17-30
• 1 Corinthians 5: 7-8 
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
• Hebrews 11: 28

The purpose of Passover was to commemorate God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and to point forward to a greater act of redemption. In the first Passover, God commanded each household to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. When judgment came upon Egypt, the blood caused the Lord to “pass over” those homes, sparing them from death. This act of obedience resulted in their protection and deliverance, marking the beginning of their freedom as God’s people.

This feast was not only a historical event but also a prophetic picture of Jesus’ mission. Jesus fulfilled Passover by becoming the true and perfect Lamb of God. His blood, shed on the cross during the time of Passover, provides the covering that spares believers from eternal judgment and delivers them from the slavery of sin. Just as the lamb’s blood brought physical protection and freedom to Israel, Jesus’ sacrifice brings spiritual salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, the purpose of Passover is fully realized—deliverance, redemption, and the establishment of a new covenant between God and His people.

Traditional observation varies between Orthodox Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and Christianity; and these differences should be explored. The following is a simple way to observe at home: 

Beforehand

• Remove leavened bread from the house.
• Prepare symbolic foods or a simple meal with matzah and grape juice/wine.
• Print or use Haggadah.

Seder Time

• Light candles and pray.
• Tell the story of Exodus 12.
• Eat matzah, bitter herbs, sweet charoset.
• Drink four cups of wine/juice.
• Reflect on hoe God delivers from slavery to freedom.
• Focus on Jesus as the Lamb who delivers from sin and death.
• Sing songs of thanksgiving.

The appointed time for observing Passover is on the 14th day of the first month, called Nisan  in the biblical calendar. 

In 2026 observation date:

• Begins, Sundown on Tuesday, April 1
• Ends, Sundown on Wednesday, April 2