Introduction:
The Passover Festival, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant and ancient feasts in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The festival is rich in symbolism and tradition, serving as a profound reminder of God's power, faithfulness, and the importance of obedience to His commands.

Biblical Origin:
The origins of Passover are found in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to institute the festival as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites. The key event is the tenth plague, where the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, but the Israelites were spared. This was achieved by marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, as instructed by God. Exodus 12:13 states, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."

Observance and Rituals:
The Passover Festival begins on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for seven days (eight days in the Diaspora). The central ritual is the Seder meal, which includes the retelling of the Exodus account, the eating of unleavened bread (matzah), and the consumption of symbolic foods such as bitter herbs. Exodus 12:17 commands, "So you are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you are to keep this day as a perpetual ordinance for the generations to come."

Symbolism:
The Passover lamb is a central symbol, representing the sacrifice that spared the Israelites from death. The unleavened bread signifies the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, having no time to let their bread rise. Bitter herbs symbolize the bitterness of slavery. Each element of the Seder meal is designed to engage participants in the account of redemption and deliverance.

Passover in the New Testament:
Passover holds significant meaning in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ's life and ministry. Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God," drawing a parallel between the Passover lamb and His sacrificial death. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 , Paul writes, "Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is widely believed to have been a Passover meal, further linking His sacrifice to the themes of redemption and deliverance.

Theological Significance:
For Christians, Passover is not only a historical event but also a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ. The themes of sacrifice, redemption, and God's covenant faithfulness resonate deeply within Christian theology. The festival serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His plan for salvation, culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Contemporary Observance:
While Passover is primarily a Jewish festival, many Christians observe it as well, often incorporating elements of the Seder into their own worship and reflection during Holy Week. This practice highlights the shared heritage and theological connections between Judaism and Christianity, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive work throughout history.