The Importance of Passover for believers today
The observance of Passover and its connection to Jesus Christ is vitally important. Early Christians, including those before Constantine, celebrated these feasts, recognizing their fulfillment in Jesus. However, as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, Emperor Constantine sought to separate Resurrection Sunday from Passover and the Hebraic calendar. This shift aimed to distinguish Christian practices from Jewish traditions, leading to the establishment of Easter as a separate celebration and where early believers began being persecuted and even killed for celebrating Passover. Unfortunately, easter is a pagan false goddess known for fertility and renewal symbolized by an egg and rabbit. Despite these changes, the Passover story remains a profound testament to God’s deliverance and redemption and we should observe and understand its timing and significance.
The first Passover, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, marks a pivotal moment of liberation for the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. God commanded Moses to instruct each household to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith would signal God to pass over their homes during the plague that struck down the firstborn of Egypt. As the Israelites prepared to leave in haste, they ate a meal of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, symbolizing the bitterness of their bondage and the urgency of their departure. This event not only signified their physical freedom but also established a lasting covenant with God, to be commemorated by future generations as a testament to His deliverance and mercy. They were freed and supplied with resources to head to the Promised Land.
Passover's symbolism finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as our Passover Lamb. The connection is deeply significant, as Jesus, born in Bethlehem like the Passover lambs, entered Jerusalem on Nisan 10, just as the lambs were chosen. This act fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy of a king arriving on a donkey, yet many did not recognize the deeper significance: Jesus was the chosen sacrificial lamb. On Nisan 14, as lambs were being sacrificed, Jesus was crucified, perfectly aligning with the Passover timeline. His death and resurrection exemplify the ultimate act of redemption, breaking the chains of sin and darkness.
The story of Peter’s miraculous escape from prison during Passover in Acts 12 further illustrates divine intervention and liberation. Just as God broke Peter's chains, He desires to free us from any form of captivity, guiding us toward a life of freedom and promise. During the Last Supper, detailed in Luke 22, Jesus transformed the traditional Passover meal. By offering His body and blood as the ultimate sacrifice, He established a new covenant, fulfilling the promises of old. The four cups of blessing taken during Passover—sanctification, freedom, redemption, and praise—highlight God’s unwavering commitment to liberate and establish His people.
As we partake in communion, we are called to confess our sins and renounce any idols or areas of bondage, embracing the freedom and forgiveness offered through Christ. In worship and prayer, we declare that God is paving the way to our promised land, blessing us with every spiritual blessing. By celebrating Passover, we are reminded of the story of deliverance and the promise of new life, empowered to live in the light of His kingdom and grace. Through Jesus, our Passover Lamb, we find true redemption and the abundant life He offers.
I pray that this Passover season you are covered by His blood, set free, resourced, and equipped to step into greater levels of the Promised Land and pleasant boundary lines He has for you in Jesus name!
To see when Passover begins each year to celebrate Passover and the death and resurrection of Jesus use this date converter for Holidays: https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/
