Introduction to the Passover Story: From the Old Testament to the Ascension of Jesus
The story of Passover begins long before the time of Jesus, deeply rooted in the history of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites, under the oppressive rule of Pharaoh, were on the brink of God’s miraculous intervention. In this defining moment, God instituted the Passover as a sign of His salvation and judgment, marking the beginning of a new chapter for His chosen people.
As the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a spotless lamb, spread its blood on their doorposts, and eat the lamb in haste, the act was both a tangible sign of deliverance and a symbol of God’s future redemptive plan for all of humanity. This sacrificial lamb became a lasting symbol of salvation, commemorated year after year in the Jewish Passover celebration.
However, the full meaning of Passover reaches its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the arrival of Jesus Christ. During the Passover feast in the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus redefined the significance of the meal, identifying Himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb. His sacrificial death, marked by the shedding of His own blood, would forever alter the course of history, providing not only the deliverance of Israel but the salvation of the entire world.
From the Exodus to the cross, and then through the resurrection and ascension, the Passover story weaves together themes of deliverance, sacrifice, redemption, and hope. It is in this narrative that Christians find their identity—through the blood of the Lamb, they are freed from sin and death, called to live in light of Christ’s victory and eagerly await His return.
This study explores the profound connection between the Old and New Testaments, tracing the journey of Passover from its institution in Exodus to its ultimate fulfillment in the death and resurrection of Jesus. By examining the rich theological implications and historical significance of these events, we will gain a deeper understanding of what Passover means to us today, both as individuals and as the body of Christ.
The Passover Story from the Old Testament to the New Testament to the Ascension of Jesus and What Does This Mean for Us Today
1. The Old Testament: The Institution of Passover (Exodus 12)
The Passover story begins with the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt and God’s deliverance of them. God institutes the Passover to commemorate their escape from Egypt and the sparing of their firstborn through the blood of the sacrificial lamb.
Exodus 12:1-14 (ESV)
- The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,
- “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.
- Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.
- And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons, according to what each can eat. You shall make your count for the lamb.
- Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats,
- and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight.
- Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it.
- They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it.
- Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts.
- And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.
- In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.
- For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.
- The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
- This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.
2. The New Testament: Jesus as the Passover Lamb
In the New Testament, Jesus’ death is closely associated with the Passover. During the Last Supper, He reinterprets the Passover meal, identifying Himself as the Lamb of God, whose blood would be shed for the salvation of the world.
Matthew 26:17-29 (ESV)
- 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?”
- He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”
- And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
- When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve disciples.
- And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
- And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
- He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.
- The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
- Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
- Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
- And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,
- for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
- I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
John 1:29 (ESV)
- The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
- Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
3. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus’ crucifixion occurs during the Passover festival, making His sacrifice deeply connected with the lamb sacrificed in Egypt. His death, as the ultimate Passover Lamb, is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Matthew 27:45-50 (ESV)
- **Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
- And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”**
- And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”
- And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink.
- But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”
- And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
John 19:30 (ESV)
- When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV)
- **Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
- And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
- His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
- And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
- But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
- He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
- Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
- So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
- And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
- Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”**
4. The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and spent forty days with them, teaching them about the kingdom of God before ascending to heaven.
Acts 1:9-11 (ESV)
- **And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
- And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
- and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”**
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
The Passover story—stretching from the Exodus to Jesus’ death and resurrection—holds profound significance for believers today:
- Deliverance from Sin: Just as the blood of the Passover lamb in Egypt delivered the Israelites from physical death, the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, delivers us from spiritual death and sin.
- A New Covenant: The death of Jesus inaugurates a new covenant, replacing the old sacrificial system. His sacrifice brings forgiveness of sins, restoring the relationship between God and humanity (Luke 22:20).
- Hope of Resurrection: Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope that death is not the end, and we too will be raised to eternal life. As He rose, we also look forward to our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
- Living in the Light of the Ascension: The ascension of Jesus marks His enthronement as King and His continued work on our behalf. As believers, we are called to live in the reality of His presence with us through the Holy Spirit and look forward to His return (Acts 1:11).
- Passover and Communion: The Lord’s Supper (or Communion) is a direct continuation of the Passover meal, reminding believers of Jesus’ sacrifice and the salvation it brings. Every time we partake in the Eucharist, we remember the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
My Perspective on the Passover Story
As I dive deeper into the study of the Passover, I am struck by the powerful and layered significance of this story, stretching from the Old Testament to the New. At the heart of the Passover, I see not just a historical event but a profound theological narrative that reveals God’s redemptive purpose for His people.
The story begins in Exodus, where the Israelites are enslaved in Egypt, their lives defined by oppression and despair. But in God’s mercy, He acts decisively to rescue them. It’s in this context of bondage and suffering that God institutes the Passover. Through the sacrifice of a lamb and the blood applied to their doorposts, the Israelites are spared from the judgment of death. The Passover becomes both a moment of deliverance and a lasting sign of God’s covenant faithfulness. God provides a way for His people to be saved—through the blood of the lamb.
As I reflect on this, I am drawn to the connection between the Passover lamb and Jesus Christ, who, in the New Testament, is revealed as the ultimate Passover Lamb. Jesus’ death on the cross, like the sacrificial lamb, becomes the means by which we are delivered from sin and eternal death. Just as the Israelites were spared through the blood of the lamb, we are saved through the blood of Christ.
The parallel is striking and humbling. What begins as a physical deliverance for Israel becomes the ultimate spiritual deliverance for all people in Jesus. His sacrifice offers not only freedom from sin but also eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Theologically, the Passover narrative shows me how God’s plan of salvation is woven through history, always pointing forward to the person of Jesus. The blood of the lamb in Egypt was never just about a temporary rescue from physical death; it was a shadow of the greater sacrifice to come. I see that in Christ’s death, God’s plan for His people is fulfilled in the most profound and eternal way possible. Jesus, as our Passover Lamb, has set us free from the slavery of sin, just as the Israelites were freed from the bondage of Egypt.
Furthermore, the institution of Passover as a yearly remembrance shows me the importance of keeping God’s deliverance at the forefront of our lives. The annual feast reminded the Israelites of the great work God did for them, and it should remind us of the even greater work He has done for us through Christ. It is not just an ancient story, but a living truth that calls me to live in gratitude and awe of God’s sacrifice.
Through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the Passover story reaches its fulfillment. As I reflect on these events, I am reminded of the hope we have in Christ’s return. Just as the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, we have been delivered from sin through Jesus’ sacrifice, and we await the day when He will return to fully complete His redemptive work.
Today, the Passover reminds me that God’s redemption is not just for a moment, but for eternity. The blood of the Lamb was the means of freedom for the Israelites, and it is through the blood of Jesus that I have been set free from sin and death. This story calls me to live with a deeper sense of gratitude, worship, and hope, knowing that the same God who delivered Israel is the God who delivers me.
In my life today, the Passover is more than just a historical event—it is a reminder that God’s saving power is still active and present. As I reflect on this, I see the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and the ultimate price paid for my redemption. It challenges me to live out my faith in light of the gracious salvation I have received, to live as one who has been bought with a price and set free to live in the fullness of Christ’s victory.
Conclusion: The Heart of Passover
The institution of the Passover in the Old Testament marks the beginning of Israel’s journey from slavery to freedom, a journey that was made possible through the sacrifice of a spotless lamb. This sacrifice was a tangible reminder of God’s mercy and His commitment to deliver His people.
For us today, the Passover points us to the greater deliverance found in Christ, the Lamb of God, who offered His life as the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. The blood of the Lamb is what saves us, protects us, and brings us into the fullness of God’s covenant promises. As we look back on the Passover in both the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s ongoing work of salvation—His willingness to save and redeem those who trust in Him. This message remains central to our faith and is a source of hope, gratitude, and worship for all believers.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback on articles, or anything else you’d like to discuss—I’m always happy to connect!
Copyright Notice © 2025 Rev. Cecil Thorn Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Rev. Cecil Thorn, to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.
