Should Christians celebrate Passover?

TL;DR:

Although Christians aren’t required to celebrate Passover, doing so can be an enriching and eye-opening experience about Jewish history. Passover also symbolizes the beautiful picture of God's deliverance.

what does the bible say?

Though the Bible doesn’t require Christians to celebrate Passover, doing so can help believers reflect on God’s provision. The book of Exodus records God’s salvation of His people from Jewish bondage. God executed ten plagues on Egypt to show His power and glory over the Egyptians (Exodus 7—12). The last plague was the death of the first born in all of the land. Exodus 12 records the first Passover meal, in which the Israelites were to apply a spotless lamb’s blood over their doorposts so that the angel of death would pass over them. The New Testament contains several references to Passover as well. The Gospels record Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples (Matthew 26:17-19; John 2:13, 6:4, 13:1, 19:14). Most significantly, though, Jesus is presented as the Passover Lamb whose sacrifice permanently atoned for the sins of those who place their faith in Him (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). The freedom of God’s people from Egypt parallels the freedom believers experience through placing their faith in Christ (Romans 6:17-18). Ultimately, it is up to individual Christians whether to celebrate Passover.

from the old testament

Exodus 12 records the first Passover, the night the angel of death passed over the Jews during the tenth plague God inflicted upon the Egyptians. On that night, God instructed the Jews to paint lamb’s blood on their doorposts so that the angel of death would spare the firstborn of their children and livestock. This show of God's great power brought about the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt. God commanded His people to observe the Passover each year to remember the miracle of that plague and to pass along the story of God's protection to their children (Exodus 12:25-27).

from the new testament

As a Jew, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal. In fact, he ate the Passover meal with His disciples before He was crucified (Matthew 26:17-19; John 2:13, 6:4, 13:1, 19:14).
Besides Passover being a look back at God's provision, it also foreshadows the provision to come: God sending His perfect sacrificial lamb, Jesus, to atone for our sins and save us from eternal separation from Him (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Many of the traditions associated with the original Passover feast were a picture of what was to come. For instance, the slavery in Egypt parallels our slavery to sin before we place our trust in Christ (Romans 6:17-18).

implications for today

Freedom was what the Hebrew people felt when they left four hundred years of slavery in Egypt for their future in a land flowing with milk and honey. They could thank God for that freedom as the Lord had worked His mighty power to liberate them from one of the most powerful kingdoms on Earth. Passover was an annual of that for them, and it can be a blessing for us as well.

Though a Jewish holiday, Christians can also celebrate Passover, especially since it allows us a way to honor “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Christians can join Jewish friends in a Passover meal, known as a Seder, and celebrate the ultimate freedom: the freedom we have in Christ.

understand

Christians may celebrate Passover, but it’s not required.
Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Passover foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb.

reflect

How does understanding God’s deliverance of Israel deepen your gratitude for the freedom you have in Christ?
How could celebrating Passover help you reflect on Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb?
How does the story of Israel’s escape from Egypt challenge or encourage you to trust God in your current struggles?

engage

How does Passover reveal God’s character and His faithfulness to His people?
What connections are there between the first Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice as the Lamb of God?
How could participating in or learning about Passover enrich a Christian’s understanding of God’s provision and plan of salvation?