Learn the Story of the Old Testament – Season 3: Rescue
3.2 The Passover
The Passover: Salvation Through the Lamb
On the night of the Passover, God provided a way of rescue for His people. Homes marked by the blood of the lamb were spared as God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. The Passover became a lasting reminder of God’s salvation and points forward to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
Learn the Story of the Old Testament – Season 3: Rescue
3.2 The Passover
The Passover is one of the most important events in the entire Bible.
For generations, God’s people had lived as slaves in Egypt. God had sent Moses to demand their freedom, but Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let the Israelites go.
After nine plagues, God announced a final act of judgment.
Yet in the midst of judgment, God provided a way of salvation.
Families were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and place its blood on the doorposts of their homes. That night, God’s judgment would “pass over” the homes marked by the blood.
The Passover became a lasting reminder of God’s rescue and faithfulness.
More importantly, it points directly to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who brings salvation to the world.
Scripture References
Exodus 11–12
Related Reading:
Luke 22:7–20
John 1:29
1 Corinthians 5:7
The Story
God had sent plague after plague upon Egypt.
The Nile turned to blood.
Frogs covered the land.
Darkness fell over Egypt.
Yet Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened.
Then God announced the final plague.
The firstborn son in every Egyptian household would die.
Before this judgment occurred, God gave specific instructions to the Israelites.
Each family was to select a lamb without defect.
The lamb would be sacrificed.
Its blood would be placed on the doorposts and lintel of the house.
The family would then share a special meal together.
God said:
“When I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you.” (Exodus 12:13 NASB)
That night, God’s judgment passed through Egypt.
Homes marked by the blood were spared.
Homes without the blood experienced great loss.
Pharaoh finally relented.
The Israelites were released from slavery and began their journey toward freedom.
God instructed His people to remember this event every year.
The Passover became a sacred celebration of God’s deliverance.
Understanding the Story
Salvation Comes Through God’s Provision
The Israelites were not saved because they were stronger than the Egyptians.
They were saved because they trusted and obeyed God’s instructions.
God provided the means of rescue.
The blood of the lamb became the sign of salvation.
Faith Requires Response
Every family had a choice.
Would they trust God’s word and place the blood on their doorposts?
Faith involves believing God’s promises and responding in obedience.
God Wants His People to Remember
God established Passover as a memorial.
Future generations would hear the story and remember God’s faithfulness.
Throughout Scripture, remembering God’s actions strengthens faith.
Freedom Has a Purpose
The Israelites were not rescued simply to leave Egypt.
They were rescued so they could worship and follow God.
Salvation is not only freedom from something.
It is freedom for a relationship with God.
Why This Story Matters
The Passover teaches us important truths.
How does God save His people?
God provides the way of salvation.
Why was the blood important?
It served as a sign of faith and obedience.
Why did God establish Passover?
So His people would remember His faithfulness from generation to generation.
What does freedom mean?
Freedom means living in relationship with God and following His purposes.
Connecting to Jesus
The Passover is one of the clearest pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament.
Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed, Jesus gave His life for us.
Just as the blood of the lamb brought protection, Christ’s sacrifice brings salvation.
When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared:
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NASB)
Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples before His crucifixion.
During that meal, He established what Christians now know as Holy Communion.
The Passover points forward to the cross.
The rescue from Egypt points forward to the greater rescue from sin through Jesus Christ.
Living the Message
The Passover reminds us to trust God’s provision.
This week:
Remember ways God has been faithful in your life.
Thank Jesus for His sacrifice.
Participate thoughtfully in Holy Communion when offered.
Trust God’s promises even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Share stories of God’s faithfulness with others.
Reflect and Discuss
Why was the Passover lamb important?
Possible answers:
The lamb represented God’s provision for salvation and protection.
What role did faith play in the Passover?
Possible answers:
Families trusted God’s instructions and acted in obedience.
How does Passover connect to Jesus?
Possible answers:
Jesus became the Lamb of God who gave His life for the salvation of the world.
Why is remembering God’s faithfulness important?
Possible answers:
Remembering strengthens faith and helps future generations trust God.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Exodus 11–12 reveals God’s power, justice, mercy, and provision for salvation.
Reasons We Believe
The Passover demonstrates God’s faithfulness to rescue His people and points directly to Jesus Christ.
Obedience in Action
Respond to God’s grace with trust, gratitude, and faithful obedience.
Walk It Out
Take time this week to remember God’s faithfulness and share His goodness with others.
Related Pages
3.1 Moses and the Burning Bush
3.3 Crossing the Red Sea
Closing Invitation
The Passover was more than a single night in Egypt.
It became a lasting reminder that God rescues His people.
The blood of the lamb pointed forward to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice provides salvation for all who trust Him.
The rescue has begun.
The people are leaving Egypt.
And God is about to do something even more miraculous.
Continue to Lesson 3.3: Crossing the Red Sea.
