The Passover is a significant event in both Jewish and Christian history. It marks God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, where He passed over the houses of those who had the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. For Christians, Passover also foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood delivers us from sin and eternal death. These scriptures explore the meaning, history, and fulfillment of the Passover in Christ.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Jesus Crucifixion
The Origin of Passover
Passover was established by God as a memorial of His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It was a night of divine judgment against Egypt and protection for God’s people. God gave Moses specific instructions for the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, symbolizing the covering that saved them from death. This event became a foundational story of redemption for God’s people.
Exodus 12:13
“But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
Exodus 12:14
“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord.”
Exodus 12:27
“It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 16:1
“Celebrate this Passover in honor of the Lord your God, for it was in the month of Abib that he brought you out of Egypt by night.”
Numbers 9:2
“Tell the Israelites to celebrate the Passover at the prescribed time.”
The Blood as a Sign of Protection
The key element of Passover was the blood of the lamb. It represented the substitutionary sacrifice that covered the household from judgment. In this, we see the powerful message that deliverance requires the shedding of innocent blood. For Christians, this points forward to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood delivers us from eternal death and brings us into God’s protection and peace.
Hebrews 9:22
“For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.”
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the body is in its blood… It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.”
Exodus 12:7
“They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.”
1 John 1:7
“But if we are living in the light… the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
Romans 5:9
“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.”
The Passover Lamb
The Passover lamb had to be perfect, without blemish. It symbolized innocence and purity, and its sacrifice made a way of escape from judgment. This image is fulfilled in Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His sinless life and sacrificial death make Him the perfect Lamb who saves all who believe in Him.
John 1:29
“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Exodus 12:5
“The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.”
1 Peter 1:18-19
“It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.”
Revelation 5:12
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
Isaiah 53:7
“He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.”
Jesus Fulfills the Passover
Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, but He transformed its meaning forever. During the Last Supper, He revealed that He was the fulfillment of the Passover promise. His body would be broken and His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. The Passover meal became the Lord’s Supper, pointing us to the new covenant established in His sacrifice.
Matthew 26:26-28
“This is my body… This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”
Luke 22:15-16
“I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you… For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 5:7
“Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.”
John 13:1
“Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples… and now he loved them to the very end.”
Hebrews 10:10
“For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lambs
Remembrance and Celebration
The Passover was to be remembered each year as a celebration of God’s faithfulness. For Christians, the Lord’s Supper is a similar act of remembrance—honoring Jesus’ death, celebrating our freedom from sin, and anticipating His return. These times of reflection and praise help us stay connected to the central story of our salvation and deepen our gratitude to God.
Exodus 13:3
“Celebrate this day annually… the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. For the Lord brought you out by the power of his mighty hand.”
Luke 22:19
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”
Psalm 105:5
“Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.”
Deuteronomy 16:3
“Eat it with bread made without yeast… as a reminder that you left Egypt in such a hurry.”
Freedom Through the Blood
The ultimate theme of Passover is freedom—freedom from slavery, sin, and death. Just as the Israelites were set free from Egypt, believers in Christ are set free from the power of sin. This freedom is not earned, but given through the blood of Jesus. We are no longer slaves to fear or condemnation; we are children of God, free to live in righteousness and joy.
Galatians 5:1
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free…”
Romans 6:22
“But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
Hebrews 2:14-15
“He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.”
Colossians 1:13-14
“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son…”
Looking Forward to Eternal Deliverance
The Passover reminds us that God is a deliverer—not just from physical slavery, but from sin, death, and eternal separation. It points forward to the great redemption we have in Christ and the ultimate deliverance we will experience when He returns. Until then, we live in joyful expectation of that glorious day when we will feast with the Lamb in His eternal kingdom.
Revelation 7:9-10
“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
Isaiah 25:6
“In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world.”
Revelation 19:9
“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”
John 14:3
“When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Titus 2:13-14
“We look forward with hope to that wonderful day… He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin…”