Passover and Easter

From Exodus to Resurrection — God’s Deliverance Fulfilled

Passover (Pesach) is the Jewish feast that remembers how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt.

On the night of deliverance:

• A spotless lamb was sacrificed
• The lamb’s blood was placed on the doorposts
• Judgment “passed over” the homes covered by the blood

Scripture

“The blood shall be a sign for you… and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
— Exodus 12:13

Passover was not only a memorial of history — it was a prophetic shadow pointing forward to a greater salvation.

In the Gospel of John, the timing of Jesus’ crucifixion is deeply connected to Passover.

John shows that:

• Jesus is crucified during Passover week
• Jesus dies on the “day of Preparation”
• The moment of His death aligns with the sacrifice of Passover lambs

Scripture

“Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover.”
— John 19:14

John is revealing something powerful: Jesus is the true Passover Lamb.

Before Jesus’ public ministry even begins, John the Baptist announces His identity:

Scripture

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
— John 1:29

The Passover lamb saved Israel from physical judgment.
Jesus saves His people from spiritual judgment — from sin and death.

Scripture

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
— 1 Corinthians 5:7

Passover is the story of freedom from slavery in Egypt.
Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection — freedom from slavery to sin and death.

Passover shows deliverance through the blood of a lamb.
Easter reveals the completion of deliverance through the blood of Christ and His victory over death.

Scripture

“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”
— Matthew 28:6

Scripture

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’”
— John 11:25

This is the heart of grace:

• Israel did not earn deliverance from Egypt
• They were saved by God’s mercy and promise
• The blood was a sign of faith — not a human achievement
   

In the same way, the Gospel shows salvation is not earned, but given.

Scripture

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8

Passover: “Judgment passed over because of the blood.”
Easter: “Death was defeated because Jesus rose.”

The Exodus points forward to the Cross.
The Cross leads to the Resurrection.
And the Resurrection proclaims: God saves.

Passover reminds us: God delivers His people.
Easter declares: God has delivered His people through Christ forever.

Scripture

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30