What is Passover?

Passover is a sacred Holy Day that commemorates the deliverance of Israelites from harsh bondage in Egypt under Pharaoh. The Most High displayed His power through great wonders and plagues, culminating in the final plague — the death of the firstborn. Only those who obeyed the command to place the blood of a sacrificial lamb on their doorposts were spared as the angel of death passed over. However, the firstborn of the Egyptians and their livestock were struck down.

This profound event foreshadowed the coming of The Messiah who became the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Without blemish and without sin, He gave His life so that Israel could be redeemed, offering salvation and eternal life to all who come under His blood. Through His sacrifice, we are restored to the Father.
(Galatians 4:4-5)

When the children of Israel left Egypt, they departed in haste, eating the Passover meal fully prepared for their journey — with their loins girded, shoes on their feet, and staff in hand. They ate unleavened bread because there was no time to allow the dough to rise. After eating the Passover, they left Egypt by night as the Most High commanded.

How Do We Celebrate Passover?

To observe Passover, repented, law-keeping (Exodus 20), baptized followers of the Messiah, gather together holding a Holy Convocation and partaking in a meal that includes:

• Lamb roasted with fire
• Bitter herbs
• Unleavened bread

This celebration mirrors the instructions given in Exodus 12, where our forefathers followed these exact guidelines. Although the practice of animal sacrifice is not required since the Messiah fulfilled this aspect through His death on the cross, we honor this sacred memorial by remembering His sacrifice.

“And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”
(Exodus 12:8)

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Passover is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day observance where we remove all leaven (yeast) from our homes and refrain from consuming anything with leaven. During this time, we feast and celebrate, with the first and seventh days designated as Holy Convocations, where we gather in reverence and worship.

“Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel.”
(Exodus 12:19-20)

The Messiah Fulfilled This Holy Day

The Most High no longer required the animal sacrifices of Israel because Christ became the ultimate atonement. He was the Lamb without blemish who offered Himself to redeem Israel and restore our relationship with the Father. Through His sacrifice, the symbolic meaning of Passover was fulfilled, and The Messiah became our eternal Passover Lamb.

“For even Christ, our Passover, is sacrificed for us.”
(1 Corinthians 5:7)

By observing Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we not only remember our forefathers’ exodus from Egypt but also honor The Most High and His son’s ultimate sacrifice, recognizing His role in granting us eternal life.