The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover with his disciples. Thus it is important for us to go back in Exodus to the founding of the Passover celebration and its meaning.

There have been numerous scholarly speculations about the origin of Passover. Some have thought it was originally a semi-nomadic spring celebration that petitioned the deity’s favor and protection during the migration of flocks from one pasture to another. Others have connected it with ancient Near Eastern New Year festivals. However that may be, the scriptures are clear about the origins of the festival for Israel. It formed the prelude and preparation for Israel’s deliverance out of slavery in Egypt in the thirteenth century B.C.

God was about to redeem his ens…