“It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.” – Exodus 12:27
Bible Verses About Passover
The Significance of Passover
When we think about Passover, it is essential to grasp its significance in our faith. Passover commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. As we reflect on this event, we recognize that it represents God’s mercy and the sacrifice that was made for redemption. This festival invites us to remember not just an ancient story, but the ongoing message of freedom and salvation in our lives today. The lamb that was sacrificed during Passover foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took away our sins. Every year, as we celebrate Passover, we can renew our commitment to embrace the freedom that God has provided through His grace.
Exodus 12:13
“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” – Exodus 12:13
Leviticus 23:5
“The LORD’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.” – Leviticus 23:5
Deuteronomy 16:1
“Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover of the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib he brought you out of Egypt by night.” – Deuteronomy 16:1
Psalm 105:23
“Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived there as a foreigner.” – Psalm 105:23
Luke 22:15
“And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.'” – Luke 22:15
The Lamb of God
During Passover, the lamb has a prominent place in the story. The sacrifice of the lamb represents both the cost of sin and the grace that God provides for us. Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. As we observe Passover, we remember that just as the Israelites were saved through the blood of the lamb, we find our salvation in Christ’s sacrifice. This understanding should inspire us to appreciate the depth of God’s love and the lengths to which He went to secure our redemption. We see how Passover foreshadows the hope we have in Jesus, who offers us eternal life through His death and resurrection.
John 1:29
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'” – John 1:29
1 Peter 1:18-19
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19
Revelation 5:12
“In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'” – Revelation 5:12
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” – Isaiah 53:7
Acts 8:32
“The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: ‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.'” – Acts 8:32
God’s Deliverance
Passover is fundamentally about deliverance; it speaks to God’s faithfulness in freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Similarly, in our lives, we too experience the need for deliverance from sin, fear, and despair. God’s promise of deliverance reassures us that no matter how trapped or hopeless situations may seem, our God can and will rescue us. This remembrance instills in us a sense of hope and expectancy as we realize that just as He delivered His people, He continues to work in our lives today. In celebrating Passover, we are reminded that God hears our cries and acts on our behalf.
Exodus 6:6
“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.'” – Exodus 6:6
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17
Hebrews 11:28
“By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the Israelites.” – Hebrews 11:28
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Thankfulness and Remembrance
In observing Passover, we find a call to remember and give thanks for God’s gracious acts. Just as the Israelites were instructed to tell their children about the significance of Passover, we too are called to remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. Thanksgiving should be an integral aspect of our worship and lifestyle, recognizing the many ways God sustains and guides us. As we celebrate Passover, it is a beautiful occasion to recount God’s miracles in our lives, acknowledging His provision and love. This reflection not only strengthens our faith but also deepens our relationship with Him as we express our gratefulness.
Deuteronomy 16:3
“Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste; so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.” – Deuteronomy 16:3
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Exodus 12:24
“Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants.” – Exodus 12:24
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
New Covenant and Passover
The New Covenant established by Jesus during the Last Supper draws a powerful connection to Passover. Here, Jesus takes the Passover elements and infuses them with new meaning. This act signifies that through His body and blood, we are offered a new life and a fresh start. Understanding this enables us to engage in our faith deeply as we remember the sacrificial love of Christ. Each time we partake in communion, we are, in essence, participating in a Passover celebration that reminds us of our redemption and eternal fellowship with God. Therefore, embracing the New Covenant ties us back to the significance of Passover, enriching our spiritual journey.
Matthew 26:28
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
Luke 22:20
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'” – Luke 22:20
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” – Hebrews 9:14
Hebrews 8:6
“But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” – Hebrews 8:6
1 Corinthians 11:25
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'” – 1 Corinthians 11:25
Passover and Hope
Lastly, Passover signifies hope—a promise of new beginnings and a future with God. The journey of the Israelites from bondage to freedom is a powerful reminder that God has always been a way-maker. In our own lives, we may face struggles and trials, but the message of Passover tells us that there is always a way out and a path to freedom. As we celebrate Passover, let’s hold on to the hope that God gives us, knowing that He is faithful to lead us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. This hope is the anchor for our souls, reminding us of the greater story that we are all a part of—the story of redemption.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Psalm 146:5
“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” – Psalm 146:5
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Final Thoughts
Passover carries a deep meaning that resonates with our faith today. As we explored the various aspects of Passover, we learned about the significance of the lamb of God, God’s deliverance, and the hope that He extends to us. Each element reminds us of God’s faithfulness, love, and grace. Celebrating Passover is not just about remembering a historical event; it encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the deliverance and hope we have through Jesus Christ. Together as a community, we hold onto the promise of salvation and the everlasting covenant made through His precious blood.
As we conclude our thoughts on Passover, we encourage everyone to continue exploring the profound themes within the Bible. For those who wish to delve deeper, consider reading about Easter and how it connects with the resurrection, or learn more about Communion and its meaning in our faith practice. Each of these topics enriches our understanding and enhances our walk with God.