Overview
The Passover feast celebrated God's miraculous salvation when He struck down the firstborn of Egypt but "passed over" the homes of the Israelites marked with lamb's blood (Exodus 12). This annual observance involved specific preparations, the eating of unleavened bread, and communal gatherings that reinforced Israel's identity as God's redeemed people. Jesus observed the Passover with His disciples, transforming it into the Last Supper where He instituted communion.
Key Scriptures
"Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?'" (Matthew 26:17, ESV). "You shall observe this day throughout your generations as an ordinance forever" (Exodus 12:14, ESV). "Then the Lord's anger burned against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in the sight of the Lord was gone" (Numbers 14:45, NIV).
Application
Reflect on how Christ fulfills the Passover as our ultimate Lamb of God whose sacrifice delivers us from sin's judgment.