The Symbolism of Passover and Its Influence on Communion | The Ultimate Victory

When we know the context of scripture, we see God’s intention in every detail. The innocent blood of a lamb in Exodus pointed to an event in the future–the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus, for the sins of the world (John 1:29). Passover unlocks spiritual and physical freedom for those who believe. 

You may have heard the passages in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 13 recited and taught hundreds of times. Verses from these chapters, along with 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, are often used to educate Believers about the Last Supper and communion.

But have you realized that the Last Supper was actually a Passover seder?

• “Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer…” –Luke 22:15 (emphasis added)

Pause for a moment and meditate on the historical and spiritual event of Yeshua sitting down with His disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. 

He sat down with those closest to Him and revealed a mystery they did not understand at the time, but one that would change their lives and history forever. The story of deliverance they were remembering from Exodus was finding fulfillment in the Son of God seated before them. God’s Lamb had come to bring deliverance from spiritual captivity– a final sacrifice that would echo into eternity.  

As you read the following scriptures, ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind as you see the roots of communion in Passover. 

Prepare for Passover | Blood on the Doorposts

• “‘On the tenth of this month [Nisan] every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household…Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses…’” —Exodus 12:3 & 7

In Egypt…

The final plague in Egypt was the most severe–the death of the firstborn. This is where we find the institution of the Passover, as God drew Israel’s attention to the unimaginable cost of sin. Something innocent would have to die for atonement. Without the blood covering, there would be no shield from coming judgment. 

The rebellion and hardness of Egypt’s heart produced judgment and a great cry throughout all the land. But those who had the blood on their doorposts were spared. The death angle passed over. 

• “Now 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 the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.’” —Exodus 12:13-14 (emphasis added)

In Jerusalem…

Over a thousand years later, the sacrificial system continued as people made pilgrimage for Passover, carrying spotless lambs to the temple. Countless lambs were slaughtered, shedding their blood for the sins of those who brought them.

Imagine the blood running out of the Temple. It has been said that the river of blood from the sacrificed lambs would cover the floor, and the priests would walk around ankle-deep in blood that showed the price of sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

All this grieving had to come before tears of joy at the resurrection and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Shavuot. 

Redemption on the Cross | Revelation of the Covenant

When Jesus sat with His disciples at the Passover table, He knew His blood would be shed for the salvation of many.  He understood the significant symbolism of Passover and the physical manifestation of spiritual freedom, both in Egypt and in Jerusalem generations later. 

• “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” –1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Just outside the gates of Jerusalem, blood was smeared across two wooden posts. This time, it was a rugged cross. And the Passover Lamb was Yeshua the Messiah. He poured out His blood by way of death, and His blood covers Believers today, moving them from death to life.

The Lamb of God had come to take away the sins of the world. 

John writes…

• “But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” —John 19:33-34

Read closely…

• “In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones.” —Exodus 12:46 (emphasis added)
• “He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.” —Psalm 34:20 (emphasis added)

Jesus’ body was broken, but his bones were not. The details of the feast of Passover and the prophetic words of the Psalmist all pointed to the Messiah–how he would live, die, and rise again in glory, bringing deliverance that we could never receive without Him.

Passover’s Influence on Communion

When Jesus said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me,” (1 Corinthians 11:24), He is inviting us to remember the price He paid so that we may enter into a covenant relationship with our Father. He conquered death that we might live with Him forever. That broken relationship has been restored through Yeshua HaMashiach. Through the unimaginable pain He endured, He released to you salvation, restoration, and wholeness.

As Isaiah foretold:

• “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,  and by his wounds we are healed.” –Isaiah 53:5 

The Symbolism of Passover | The Ultimate Victory!

You no longer have to live broken but can walk in victory and Kingdom purpose. The power of Jesus’ blood enables you to walk in the fullness of your salvation. Your joy grows as you embrace and trust your covenant relationship with God.

This Passover, may you look at Communion with new eyes and unlock deeper spiritual and physical freedom. God is leading you into a fuller understanding of Who He is, who you are, and the inheritance you’ve been grafted into.

Let us never forget the wonder of our Passover Lamb, Yeshua, whose blood covering has given us eternal life and freedom.