“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt, I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.” – Exodus 12:12
bible verses about the passover
God’s Deliverance Through the Passover
As we reflect on the Passover, we see it as a remarkable moment of God’s deliverance for His people. In the story of the Exodus, God instructed the Israelites to mark their doors with blood from the sacrificial lamb. This act signified their faith and obedience, and it ultimately led to their salvation from death and slavery. We learn that just as God delivered the Israelites, He also frees us from our spiritual bondage today. The Passover teaches us about the importance of trusting in God’s protection and guidance in our lives, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Therefore, we can look at this profound event as not only history but as personal blessings that God continuously provides to those who believe in Him and remain faithful.
Exodus 12:13
“And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 12:13
Exodus 12:14
“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.” – Exodus 12:14
Exodus 12:23
“For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.” – Exodus 12:23
Exodus 12:27
“That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.” – Exodus 12:27
Exodus 13:3
“And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.” – Exodus 13:3
The Significance of the Lamb in Passover
When we think about the Passover, it’s crucial to remember the symbolism of the sacrificial lamb. The innocent lamb that was killed represented a temporary sacrifice that spared the Israelites from death. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lamb of God. This connection helps us to grasp the depth of God’s plan for salvation. As we reflect on this part of the Passover story, we are reminded of the great love God has for us. Each time we consider the lamb’s sacrifice, we are called to reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This encourages us to deepen our faith and appreciation for what He has done for us, understanding that His blood marks us, just as the lamb’s blood marked the doors of the Israelites.
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29
1 Peter 1:18-19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19
Revelation 5:12
“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” – Revelation 5:12
Exodus 12:5
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.” – Exodus 12:5
1 Corinthians 5:7
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
The Passover occurrence reminds us to always remember God’s incredible faithfulness to His people. It was a defining moment where God demonstrated His power, love, and willingness to protect those who trust in Him. Just like the Israelites were asked to remember this significant event throughout generations, we can reflect on our own experiences of God’s faithfulness in our lives. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we can recount how God has always been there for us in times of need. This also teaches us the importance of sharing our stories of faith with others so that they too may recognize God’s hand at work. In doing so, we participate in the ongoing story of God’s people and reinforce our own faith along the way.
Psalm 105:5
“Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.” – Psalm 105:5
Deuteronomy 6:12
“Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” – Deuteronomy 6:12
Psalm 111:4
“He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” – Psalm 111:4
Isaiah 43:16-17
“Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.” – Isaiah 43:16-17
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” – Hebrews 10:23
The New Covenant and Passover
The celebration of Jesus at the Last Supper is deeply connected to the Passover feast. During that meal, Jesus established a new covenant, calling His disciples to partake in the bread and wine symbolizing His body and blood. This signifies a shift where the old sacrificial system is fulfilled in Him, as the ultimate Passover lamb. This new covenant offers us a personal relationship with God and assures us of His eternal grace. By embracing this new covenant, we receive the promise of salvation and redemption that Jesus secured by His sacrifice. Understanding the Passover in light of the new covenant enhances our appreciation for the sacrifice that Christ made for us. It’s a reminder to participate actively in this relationship, allowing God’s grace to transform our lives.
Luke 22:19-20
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” – Luke 22:19-20
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” – Hebrews 9:14
Hebrews 8:6
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” – Hebrews 8:6
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
The Passover as a Time of Reflection
Observing Passover can also be seen as a time for personal reflection. Just as the Israelites were asked to prepare and sanctify themselves before this important event, we too should consider our hearts and spiritual lives. It invites us to think about our relationship with God. Are there areas in our lives where we need to seek repentance or deeper faith? During this holy season, we can mirror the actions of the Israelites and reflect on what God has done for us. The Passover is thus a time for gratitude and commitment to follow God wholeheartedly. Remembering our past will guide our future steps, solidifying our faith in His unchanging promises.
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
Lamentations 3:40
“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:40
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
James 4:8
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” – James 4:8
The Call to Celebrate Passover
Finally, the Passover serves as a call for celebration and gratitude. It’s vital that we embrace this festivity with joy, reflecting on all that God has done for us. As we gather with family and friends to feast, we honor the traditions that remind us of God’s grace. The act of celebrating Passover invites us to share stories, pass on generational truths, and rejoice in the community of faith. Letting the joy of the Passover permeate our hearts allows us to spread that joy to others. We learn that celebration is not just a personal experience but a communal one, bringing others into the story of salvation and hope.
Exodus 12:24
“And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.” – Exodus 12:24
Deuteronomy 16:14
“And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates; for in that place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to place his name there, there thou shalt remember the Passover.” – Deuteronomy 16:14
1 Chronicles 16:34
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Psalm 122:1
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” – Psalm 122:1
Nehemiah 8:10
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorrowful; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Final Thoughts
The celebration of Passover is rich with meaning, reminding us of God’s deliverance and faithfulness. We learned that He is always there to protect and love us, just as He did for the Israelites. The Passover also serves as an important reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who offers us a new covenant through His blood.
Reflecting on our own lives, we can find many ways to recognize God’s goodness and thank Him for His blessings. Through remembrance and celebration, we engage with a community of faith, sharing stories that inspire hope and gratitude. It is vital to take time for reflection, making sure we draw closer to God in our spiritual journey.
As we continue to explore the Bible, we may also wish to read about other significant events such as the Lord’s Supper or the Last Supper, which hold their own unique importance and teachings in our faith journey.