This post explains some of the biggest differences between the Biblical holiday of Passover and the traditional Christian holiday of Easter. In this post we will explore the Biblical meaning of Passover and if it matters which day you celebrate to honor the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The Passover season is when believers in Messiah celebrate his death and resurrection. Since that's what Christians celebrate at Easter does that mean the holiday is basically the same, just being called a different name? It's important that we understand the differences between these two holidays so that we can answer that question truthfully.
Let us compare these often misunderstood holidays and take a look at some of the key differences between them. Keep in mind, we are not comparing the intentions of the celebrants or what it means to those celebrating either day. This is a look at what Scripture says.
What are some of the differences between Passover and Easter?
1. We are commanded to celebrate Passover and told not to even utter the name of Easter. Exodus 12:14 says that we should observe Passover as a "festival to YHWH throughout your generations." We are given many instructions on it and see it celebrated throughout Scripture. The Messiah set the example for us and observed it with the Disciples. Meanwhile the holiday of Easter is given exactly no mentions in Scripture, but we are told to "make no mention of the names of other gods." (Exodus 23:13) Easter/Eostre/Ostara is the name of a pagan goddess.
2. The Messiah was killed on Passover and resurrected on First Fruits, neither happened on Easter. Yes, these usually land around the same time of year but that doesn't mean they are the same. Christmas and New Years are only a few days apart but no one would say they are the same holiday. There is no Biblical or historic significance to when Easter lands.
3. Passover is kept in the Bible, Easter is not. Scripture makes mention that all of Israel celebrated Passover along with Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and Joshua. Chronicles goes out of the way to tell us which kings honored this set apart time. Paul expressly told believers to remember the Messiah's death by observing Passover (believers who weren't Jewish, by the way). And of course the Messiah's last supper with his Disciples was at Passover. There is no mention of anyone in Scripture participating in Easter. The closest thing we see in Scripture to an Easter celebration is in Ezekiel 8, and YHWH is angered and disgusted by it.
4. The Passover lamb is an instruction of Scripture, Easter ham and bunnies are not. The traditional Easter ham is forbidden by Scripture (Leviticus 11:7), and having unclean animals (even colorful stuffed bunnies) in the sanctuary is called "horribly disgusting" in Ezekiel 8. However the Passover lamb is something the Israelites were directly instructed to serve at their Passover in Egypt, and that analogy continues with Revelation 5:13, with the Messiah being likened to the Passover lamb that was slain.
5. Scripture says that the Messiah was resurrected when it was still dark, but Easter says he rose at sunrise. I'm not sure why so many people believe that the Messiah rose at sunrise, when Scripture plainly tells us that when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb it was still dark and the stone had already been removed from the tomb (John 20:1). Haven't believers been called hypocrites enough? Let's be accurate with the most basic of details of Scripture in order to be taken more seriously. Additionally the concept of the oh-so-popular 'sunrise service' Easter morning is eerily similar to what was happening in Ezekiel 8 where men had their back to YHWH's temple to face the rising sun in the east. YHWH's response to this was, "Do they consider these disgusting practices a casual matter? Because it's filling their land with violence."
6. Scripture teaches that the Messiah was in the grave for three days, Easter tradition says less than 48 hours. The traditional Easter tale of the Messiah being killed on Good Friday and then being resurrected on Sunday does not add up to three days. It's important to get the details on things like this right to show the validity of faith and Scripture to those who don't believe. Scripture teaches that the Messiah was killed on Passover and rose from the dead three days later on First Fruits.
7. Passover emphasizes death, Easter life. Passover is a memorial of the death of Yahusha. While we celebrate his resurrection, that happened on First Fruits, so more emphasis is put on his death at Passover. When we remember that he died for our sins it gives us opportunity to examine ourselves: are we living in bondage to something he has set us free from? Is there something that we need to die to? Passover is a time of deep spiritual reflection, whereas Easter celebrations tend to lack depth and don't call to attention the importance of repentance.
8. Passover emphasizes making covenant with YHWH, Easter focuses on lighthearted silliness. To be sure, there is nothing wrong with playing games and having fun, but that's not all there is to the Biblical holidays. From the Exodus Passover to the Messiah's last supper there was much significance put on Passover as a time of entering into covenant with the Living God. It was a time for spiritual housecleaning and sincere self examination as well as learning Scripture. Most churches and people spend little if any time on the deeper end of things and instead focus on egg hunts, baskets of candy, new outfits, and Easter lunch. While Passover is a joyful time, the weightier spiritual matters are not to be overlooked.
9. Passover has historic significance to the people of Israel. Besides it being the death of the Messiah, Passover is when YHWH brought his people out of slavery in Exodus. There is so, so much depth and meaning with being set free from the world systems, chains of bondage being broken, YHWH being far stronger than the gods of the world, and the Messiah's sacrifice honoring YHWH's ancient covenant with Abraham. What is the historic significance with Easter? Mostly concerns are raised about connections to paganism and ungodly practices.
10. We are told not to worship YHWH the way other nations worship their gods. Did you ever wonder what bunnies and eggs have to do with Jesus defeating death? How did those get mixed into worship when Scripture never suggests they be part of a set apart day? Well, eggs and bunnies are symbols for fertility used in paganism. Since this is not a custom found in Scripture, it's a way that pagan nations worship other gods, so we are forbidden from using them to worship the Living God.
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