Essential Questions About the Christian Passover: A Complete Guide
The Passover has deep significance for both Jews and Christians, serving as a pivotal observance that connects ancient Israel's deliverance from Egypt to Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
The Passover originally commemorated God's protection of the Israelites during the 10th plague in Egypt, where firstborns were spared through lamb's blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). God commanded its observance as "an everlasting ordinance" (Exodus 12:14).
Jesus Christ regularly observed the Passover throughout His life (Luke 2:41), including the night before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:2, 17-19). The Bible draws clear parallels between the original Passover and Christ's sacrifice:
- Just as lamb's blood saved the Israelites, Jesus became the "Lamb of God" whose blood saves Christians from sin
- The Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery parallels Christians' freedom from sin through Christ
- Paul explicitly states "Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7)
Stacked matzo pieces on white background
The early Church continued observing Passover with new symbols instituted by Jesus:
- Wine symbolizing His blood
- Unleavened bread representing His body
- Foot-washing ceremony teaching humility
Today, Christians observe the New Testament Passover on the 14th of Nisan (Hebrew calendar) through:
- Foot washing with other baptized Christians
- Eating unleavened bread
- Drinking wine
- Observing on the anniversary of Christ's last Passover
Family gathered at Passover meal
White lamb on green grass
Matzah bread beside Passover wine glass
Sacrificial lamb with white fleece
Rusty nail in wood cross
Last Supper scene with Jesus, disciples
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