Passover and the Christian – Why Passover is Important to Christians • Founded in Truth Fellowship

Understanding the Significance of Passover

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the profound significance of Passover, not only as a historical Jewish event but also as a cornerstone of Christian faith and understanding. He begins by acknowledging Passover as a biblically commanded feast, deeply rooted in the Exodus story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. However, Vander Els emphasizes that for believers in Yeshua (Jesus), Passover holds an even greater meaning, connecting the historical event with the anticipated coming and ongoing impact of God’s kingdom on earth.

The teaching highlights a crucial prophetic element embedded within the Passover narrative. Drawing from Jeremiah 23 and Jeremiah 16, Vander Els explains that the remembrance of Passover is not merely a recollection of past events but also a recognition of a prophecy fulfilled in Yeshua. This prophecy speaks of a king whose redemptive work would be so transformative that it would supersede the memory of the Exodus from Egypt. Instead, people would say, “This is the Lord our God who brought us all home back together, who restored us, who redeemed us, who brought us back to him.” Thus, for Christians, participating in or acknowledging Passover is a significant act, recognizing the fulfillment of this future hope in the arrival of God’s kingdom.

Connecting Biblical Narratives

To deepen the understanding of Passover’s significance, the teaching draws fascinating parallels between the Exodus story and other pivotal events in the Old Testament. Vander Els employs a “game” format to illustrate these connections, prompting the audience to consider which stories share common elements.

• One striking parallel is the use of the Hebrew word “teva,” meaning ark, found in both the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis 6 and the account of Moses being placed in a basket in Exodus 2. The unique use of this word, along with the detail of both vessels being coated with pitch, suggests a deliberate link between these narratives. This connection implies a recurring theme of God bringing forth a new creation and redeeming a righteous remnant through a vessel of salvation amidst chaotic waters.
• Another shared motif is the splitting of water and the appearance of dry land. This occurs in the creation story (God separating the chaotic waters), the story of Noah’s flood (waters receding to reveal dry land), and the Exodus (the parting of the Red Sea). Vander Els points out that the Ruach (Spirit or breath of God) is involved in all three instances, highlighting God’s power to overcome chaos and bring about new beginnings. The Exodus, in this context, is presented as a kind of creation story, where a new people are being born with the mission to be a blessing and light to the world.
• The teaching also explores the presence of a dragon in both the Exodus and other biblical narratives. While some translations use the word “snake” in Exodus 7 when Moses’ staff turns into a serpent, the original Hebrew word is “tanin,” which lexicons define as dragon, water monster, or sea monster. Vander Els connects this to the broader ancient Near Eastern creation myths where a chaotic sea monster like Leviathan or Tiamat opposes the lead god. In contrast, the God of the Hebrews creates these creatures in Genesis 1 without struggle, demonstrating His ultimate power and sovereignty. The use of “tanin” when Moses confronts Pharaoh can be seen as a polemic, highlighting God’s supremacy over the perceived powers of Egypt. Ezekiel 29:3 further connects Pharaoh to the image of a great dragon causing chaos.
• The motif of God separating light from darkness is present in both Genesis 1 (the creation account) and the plague of darkness in Exodus. In Genesis, this separation signifies the bringing of order and shalom (peace and wholeness) to creation. The plague of darkness, which only affected the Egyptians while the Israelites had light, underscores God’s distinction between His people and those who oppose Him.
• Finally, Vander Els delves into the intriguing connection between God splitting something into pieces and walking through it. This is explicitly seen in the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 15, where God instructs Abraham to cut animals into pieces and then God, represented by smoke and fire, passes between them, signifying His commitment to the covenant. While the Exodus doesn’t literally depict God cutting the Red Sea into pieces, Psalm 136 poetically describes it this way. This later biblical author recognized a thematic link, where God’s act of splitting the sea for the Israelites to pass through echoes the covenant ceremony with Abraham. This connection highlights that the Exodus is the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, where his descendants would go into a foreign land, be afflicted, but ultimately be brought out with great possessions. The manifestation of God as a smoky cloud and fire in both Genesis 15 and at the Red Sea further reinforces this connection.

The Passover Meal and Yeshua

The teaching then transitions to the significance of Passover in the New Testament, particularly the Last Supper. Vander Els points out that while Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe the Last Supper as a Passover meal, the traditional Paschal lamb is conspicuously absent in all four Gospel accounts, including John’s. This absence, Vander Els explains, is deliberate. Yeshua himself is the Lamb of God, the ultimate Passover sacrifice.

During the Last Supper, Yeshua instructs his disciples to remember Him when they partake in this meal, stating that the bread represents His body broken for them and the wine His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. By appropriating the Passover narrative, Yeshua transforms it from a commemoration of historical liberation to a remembrance of the new exodus He would enact through His death and resurrection, freeing humanity from the slavery of sin forever.

Applications for Everyday Life

The enduring message of Passover, as highlighted in this teaching, offers several key applications for Christian living:

• Remembering Redemption: Passover serves as a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive work throughout history, from the Exodus to the sacrifice of Yeshua. Believers are called to regularly reflect on God’s acts of liberation in their own lives.
• Recognizing the Creator as Redeemer: The interconnectedness of the creation, Noah’s flood, and the Exodus stories reveals that the same God who created the world is also the one who redeems His people. This understanding fosters trust in God’s ongoing power and care.
• Embracing Freedom: Passover is fundamentally a festival of freedom. For Christians, this freedom is found in Yeshua, who breaks the chains of sin and death. Believers are called to live in this freedom and not return to the bondage of their former lives.
• Anticipating Future Hope: Just as the Israelites looked forward to the Promised Land, Christians look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Passover reminds believers that God’s promises are sure and that a greater exodus and restoration are yet to come.

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References

• Jeremiah 23
• Jeremiah 16
• Genesis 6