How did Jesus fulfil the Jewish Passover?

In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at something truly profound:

How Jesus fulfilled the Jewish Passover.

This isn’t just a neat connection or symbolic gesture — it’s a powerful, prophetic link that ties the Old Testament to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. If you've ever wondered whether Christianity is rooted in real history, this episode is for you.

What Is Passover?

Let’s start with the basics.

The Jewish Passover — or Pesach — is one of the most significant events in the Old Testament. It commemorates the Exodus, when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

You can read the story in Exodus 12. God commands each Israelite household to:

·         Take a lamb without blemish,

·         Kill it at twilight,

·         Paint its blood on the doorposts of their home.

1. Selection of the Lamb

•           Passover Lamb: Chosen on the 10th of Nisan (Exodus 12:3).

•           Jesus: Entered Jerusalem (the Triumphal Entry) on the 10th of Nisan, presenting Himself publicly (cf. John 12:1,12–13).

2. Without Blemish

•           Passover Lamb: Must be without defect (Exodus 12:5).

•           Jesus: Sinless and perfect (1 Peter 1:19 – “a lamb without blemish or defect”; Hebrews 4:15).

15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

3. Male of the First Year

•           Passover Lamb: Must be a male, one year old (Exodus 12:5).

•           Jesus: Described as the Son of God, fulfilling the typology of a male offering.

4. Sacrificed by the Whole Assembly

•           Passover Lamb: Slaughtered by the whole assembly at twilight (Exodus 12:6).

•           Jesus: Condemned and crucified by the collective action of Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities (Luke 23:13–24 and:

Acts 4:27:

27for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 

5. No Bones Broken

•           Passover Lamb: Not a bone was to be broken (Exodus 12:46).

•           Jesus: Though crucified, none of His bones were broken (John 19:34-36).

34But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken 

I share 11 more parallels as well as helping you to consider why the Passover matters for us today.