Passover - Sermons, Bible Studies, Articles, and Essays

Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The church of God has historically observed the Passover just after sunset as the 14th day of Abib begins, as commanded in Exodus 12:1-14. Jesus Christ observed the Passover with His disciples at the beginning of the 14th day. He ate the Passover with them that evening after the 14th had begun, prior to His arrest later that night.

Is Passover on the First Day of Unleavened Bread? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

By the lifetime of Jesus Christ, the Jews had two competing ways to determine when to observe the Passover. One was observed by the people in their homes in the evening as Abib 14 began, and the other, led by the priests at the Temple, was kept in the late afternoon of Abib 14. In the Gospels, Jesus and His disciples are shown obse

Passover and Friends United in Truth (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mark Schindler

Passover is a time when Christians should focus on Jesus Christ and their relationship with Him. It is an annual opportunity for those baptized and raised to newness of life. Participation in this solemn memorialization of Christ's death requires careful preparation, as emphasized by the apostle Paul. Each individual must examine t

Is Passover on the First Day of Unleavened Bread? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Matthew, Mark, and Luke each seem to put Passover on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but a closer look reveals the consistency of Scripture.

Deuteronomy 16, Passover, and the Night to be Much Observed

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

In Deuteronomy 16:1, the word 'Passover' is out of context. It applies to the whole season, including the Night to be Much Observed and the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Should Passover Be Observed for Seven Days?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The words in Ezekiel's Millennial vision seem to say that the Passover should be observed for seven days. However, this contradicts other clear scriptures.

Passover: An Extraordinary Peace Offering

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The Passover sacrifice is basically unconnected with atonement, but represents the peace and security which attends fellowship with God because of His acceptance.

Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Jesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.

Holy Days: Passover

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

Passover may be the most important festival ordained by God. Not only does it memorialize Christ's death, it also symbolizes our redemption and the covenant.

Christ, Our Passover

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many people believe that our sins are the focus of Passover—but they are wrong! Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, should be our focus. How well do you know Him?

Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The timing of Christ's crucifixion does not coincide with the Passover, but instead lines up with the covenant God made with Abraham, marking a major fulfillment.

The Bread and Wine of Passover

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The Passover reminds us of the New Covenant on the anniversary of the Abrahamic covenant God using the original elements of the meal between Melchizedek and Abraham.

Passover (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The context of Deuteronomy 16:1-3 indicates the focus of these verses is on the Night to be Observed and the Days of Unleavened Bread rather than the Passover.

Passover and the Blood of Jesus Christ

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Christ's blood does much more than remit sin; it gives eternal life. The Passover wine represents the blood of the covenant, by which we are made complete.

Passover (Part Ten)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

At the time of Christ, because of historical deviation, some kept Passover at home at the start of the 14th and others kept it at the Temple at the end of the 14th.

Passover (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Using subterfuge, some proponents of the 15th Passover muddle up otherwise clear, day and night issues by surreptitiously inserting modern English language usage.

Jesus' Sufferings on Passover

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

The sequence of events that took place on Passover, from Jesus' arrest through His death, was orchestrated so we could appreciate what God did for us.

Passover Preparedness

Sermonette by John O. Reid

We are to seriously consider this season, examining ourselves carefully and soberly, measuring ourselves against the sinless life of Jesus Christ.

Christ Our Passover

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.

Passover, Obligation, and Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ's redemption obligates us to obey and serve Him. We show our gratitude for this priceless gift by doing good in acts of love and service to others.

Passover (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Passover is to be kept on the twilight of the 14th, while the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th. The Word of God supersedes tradition and heritage.

Passover (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.

Passover (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Nine steps had to be included with the Passover observance, all within the house until morning. It takes place between sun's setting and complete darkness.

Passover (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The temple Passover commanded by Hezekiah was a very unusual circumstance in which the king centralized worship to keep Baalism from defiling the Passover.

Why Passover and Not Easter?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Catholic Church did not forbid keeping the Passover until AD 325. The controversy over Passover or Easter boils down to following Scripture or Roman tradition.

Passover (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The proponents of a 15th Passover discount clear scriptural details and instead speculate. One cannot build doctrines on implication, distortion, and traditions.

A Pre-Passover Look

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must thoroughly examine ourselves, exercising and strengthening our faith, actively giving love back to God, to avoid taking Passover in a careless manner.

Passover (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Some believe in a late-14th Passover on the basis of II Chronicles 35:10-11, but this overlooks the context. The Passover was originally a home-based observance.

Passover (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Major reinterpretations have significantly distorted the meaning of Passover and Unleavened Bread, blurring the distinction between the two events.

Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We keep Unleavened Bread because of what God did to bring us out of sin (typified by Egypt). While God compels us to make choices, He is with us all the way.

Passover of the Most High God

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

Among God's many titles is one that proclaims His supremacy over all others: 'God Most High.' It provides confidence in God's governance of our lives.

Passover and Hope

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Passover is a beacon of hope in an otherwise hopeless milieu. Jesus provided hope at His last Passover, exuding confidence despite what lay ahead.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Christ's bones had to remain unbroken to fulfill the Passover. Additionally, His self-maledictory oath to Abraham required an unseperated—unbroken—body.

I Am Barabbas

Article by Staff

To some, Barabbas is nothing more than an interesting detail in Christ's trial. His presence during that event holds significant implications for us.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

How often have we heard the phrase 'Christ's broken body'? Is it a valid and accurate concept? What effect does it have on our observance of the Passover?

How Often Should We Partake of the Lord's Supper?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

The biblical proof that God's people should keep the Passover (the Lord's Supper), explaining that it occurs annually on the evening of Nisan 14.

His Bones Were Not Broken

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb whose bones were to be left intact. His piercing parallels the lamb being bled by splitting its throat.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Was Jesus Christ's body actually broken? If so, it would have symbolized disqualification and a broken covenant. Only the bread of Passover was broken.

Eat in Haste?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Israelites were to eat the Passover, not in haste, but with serious reflection. The only thing standing between them and death was the blood on the doorpost.

Remember Me

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

God asks that we use the Passover to bring to remembrance His redemptive act, especially how our sins caused Christ to die in our stead.

Truly Unleavened

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God has imputed righteousness to us as His Children because we are in Christ. Our state before God is unleavened provided we maintain this relationship.

Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament types, slain as the Passover Lamb, resurrected with the cutting of the wavesheaf, and ascended to His Father at the time of the waving of the sheaf.

Purge Me With Hyssop

Article by Staff

The Bible frequently uses the hyssop plant as a symbol of cleansing and purification. In relation to Christ's sacrifice, this herb has a connection to the Passover.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Christ's body was not broken, and the bread of Passover, broken so it can be shared, is a symbol of being joined to His sinless life rather than death.

The Selfsame Day

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The word 'selfsame' refers to a specific commemorative date. The selfsame day is a signal that God is faithfully in control of time over multiple centuries.

Garden of Gethsemane: The Oil Press

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The Garden of Gethsemane has particular significance because it was not only an olive grove, but also the location where olives were pressed into oil.

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Corinthians were in danger of eating and drinking judgment to themselves because they were not being partial to Christ's spiritual Body as a whole.

Remember Me (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

If an unbeliever partakes of the Passover, he will indeed be held accountable due to his unworthiness, but how much more will God hold a believer accountable?

The Signs of God (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

God equates belittling His signs with rejecting Him. The signs of the weekly and annual Sabbaths are emphasized by God, but commonly cast aside by men.

A Look at Christian Suffering (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

If we are merely seeking a crown of glory, hoping to skirt by Christ's suffering, we must ask ourselves whether we really accept the Passover cup.

Death of a Lamb

Article by Staff

Since the church no longer keeps the Passover with the slaughter of a lamb, we miss important and poignant details that could enhance our observance.

Are You Drinking of the Master's Cup?

Article by Staff

When we partake of the cup of wine at Passover, we usually think of Christ's blood shed for sins. However, the cup and its contents have another meaning for us.

Never Forget

Sermon by Ryan McClure

After Adam and Eve sinned, God provided them a vivid introduction to death, perhaps killing an animal in their presence to make tunics for them to wear.

The Awesome Cost of Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.

Remember Me (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

For the most part, Passover is not about us: It is a solemn assembly to remember Jesus Christ and what He has done for us in laying down His life.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Passover takes place at twilight as the 14th of Abib begins. Unleavened Bread begins 24 hours later on the 15th of Abib. The Passover is a preparation day.

Head 'Em Up and Move 'Em Out!

Article by Mike Ford

When should we observe Passover - in the evening of Abib/Nisan 14 or 15? The logistics of Israel leaving Egypt prove we should keep Passover on the 14th.

In Honor of Jesus Christ

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

It is our responsibility to glorify God. As obedient children, we bring Him honor; as disobedient children, we bring shame on Him and blaspheme His name.

Evaluating the Price of Redemption

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

Of all of God's appointed times, the Passover is one that we should not rush into without thought and preparation, lest we miss the awesome depth of its meaning.

How Do We Keep God's Festivals?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Here are the foundational principles to keep in mind in observing the Feasts of God throughout the year.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die by Crucifixion?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Crucifixion is man's most cruel form of punishment. Why did Jesus need to die this way? What does it teach us? And was Jesus stabbed before or after He died?

Why Is Atonement a Fall Festival?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though Passover and Atonement both deal with Christ's sacrifice, several reasons emerge to make Atonement a better fit for the fall holy days.

Chronic Difficulties

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Human tradition and Bible truth regarding the timing of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection do not square. Here is the overwhelming chronological evidence.

Footwashing: An Attitude of Service and Forgiveness

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

In John 13, when our Savior washed His disciples' feet, He taught them that He was willing to accept the task designated to the lowest of the servants.

An Unpayable Debt and Obligation

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

When God calls us and redeems us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we suddenly come under obligation—a debt we cannot pay but overshadows all we do.

Fellowship With God

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Only those who have fellowship with God can have any hope, understanding, peace, or rest. The world remains under the sway of Satan, unable to live righteously.

Head 'Em Up and Move 'Em Out!

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Can 2½ million people (with livestock and possessions) move out of a location (Ramses in Goshen) in five hours?

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

I Corinthians 11:29 says that whoever takes Passover unworthily fails to discern the Lord's body, which is composed of those whom God has called.

The Awesome Cost of Salvation

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to be sobered at the awesomeness of the cost to set us free from sin—what the Creator endured. We have been purchased, and are obliged to our Purchaser.

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When Paul talks about the 'the [Lord's] body' without defining exactly what he means, he does so in the middle of a lengthy discourse on the spiritual Body.

The Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The wavesheaf offering is reckoned from the weekly Sabbath within the Days of Unleavened Bread. It had specific requirements that were not met in Joshua 5.

'After Three Days'

Booklet by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A scriptural explanation of the time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, showing that He died on a Wednesday and rose from the dead on the Sabbath.

Let Us Examine Ourselves

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

Only after we have examined ourselves should we partake of the Passover symbols. Thoroughly examining ourselves should become a way of life.

The Plain Truth About Easter

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Easter is not a Christian name, but belongs to the idolatrous 'queen of heaven.' Here are the origins of Easter eggs and sunrise services, which pre-date Christ.

Debt and Obligation

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We live in a time when people have acquired a weak sense of obligation to family, society, or nation. Because sin cannot be undone, all are debtors to God.

Another Look at Footwashing

Article by Bill Keesee

Many consider footwashing at Passover to be a mere ritual to remind us to serve one another. But it teaches another godly attribute: forgiveness.

Unleavened Bread Basics

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The Feast of Unleavened Bread memorializes God's deliverance from the environment of sin rather than our coming out of sin. Christ embodies sincerity and truth.

By This We Know Love!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.

Footwashing

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Footwashing is the initial part of the Passover ceremony. Why did Christ institute it? What is its purpose?

The Night to be Much Observed

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night Much to be Observed is a memorial of the covenant with Abraham, and God's watchfulness in delivering ancient Israel as well as spiritual Israel.

Listen To The Lamb's Voice

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The movie Ben-Hur captures the essence of the time and ministry of Christ. By letting go of anger and hatred, we take on the yoke of Jesus Christ.

What Does 'Examine Yourselves' Mean?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Christians prepare for Passover by engaging in a thorough, spiritual self-examination. An analysis of II Corinthians 13:5 shows us how to go about it.

Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Four)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

John 6 has always been a difficult chapter to explain. However, Jesus' teaching is clear. Here is what it means to us.