Passover vs. Easter
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Note: All Old Testament references are taken from The Israel Bible; New Testament references are from The Scriptures Bible. Both Bibles are “literal” translations, written after recent discoveries (Dead Sea Scrolls), some of which may contradict older translations.
The Passover season is a time when Messianic Believers in Messiah Yeshua commemorate His death and resurrection. Given that these are also the central elements that Christianity celebrates during Easter, one might wonder if these holidays are essentially one and the same, with only a difference in name. We must grasp the distinctions between these two holidays to honestly respond to that question. While it is true that a rose would emit a sweet fragrance regardless of its name, it is important to note that calling a random piece of garbage a rose will not make it smell pleasant.
Join me as we look into these frequently misinterpreted holidays, and uncover the vital distinctions that set them apart. Remember, our focus here is not on comparing the intentions of those celebrating or the significance attached to each respective day. Instead, let’s delve into what Scripture and history actually reveals.
The Differences Between Passover and Easter
Difference #1:
As followers of Yeshua/Jesus, we are given a divine command to honor and commemorate the sacred festival of Passover, while refraining from even mentioning the name of Easter. The Book of Exodus, specifically in chapter 12 verse 14, emphasizes the importance of observing the Passover as an enduring “festival to HaShem throughout the ages…for all time.” Within the Scriptures, we can find numerous instructions regarding this sacred celebration, as well as accounts of its commemoration.
The Messiah served as a role model for us, and taught the Disciples to follow in His footsteps. Interestingly, even though the holiday of Easter is not mentioned in Scripture, we are instructed to refrain from mentioning the names of other gods, as stated in Exodus 23:13.
Remember that the words “Easter”, “Eostre”, and “Ostara” are the names of a pagan goddess. Easter began to be celebrated in the 2nd century AD, well after the Apostle Paul was killed. “The ecclesiastical historian Socrates Scholasticus attributes the observance of Easter by the church [Roman Catholic] to the perpetuation of pre-Christian custom, ‘just as many other customs have been established’, stating that neither Jesus nor his Apostles enjoined the keeping of this festival” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter).
Difference #2
The Messiah was crucified during the Passover, and then miraculously rose from the dead on the Day of First Fruits. It is important to acknowledge that these significant events did not align with the celebration of Easter. Indeed, while these festivities often coincide, it would be inaccurate to consider them identical. Christmas and New Year’s, though separated by a mere few days, embody distinct celebrations that nobody would mistake for being the same.
The timing of Easter holds no biblical or historical significance. The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) established two rules: independence of the Jewish calendar and worldwide uniformity, which were the only rules for Easter explicitly laid down by the Council. In 725 AD, Bede succinctly wrote, “The Sunday following the full Moon which falls on or after the equinox will give the lawful Easter.“[61]
Difference #3
In the times of the Bible, the observance of Passover was a significant event, while Easter did not yet exist, except with pagan religions under other names. The Scriptures specifically mention that the entire nation of Israel, together with influential figures like Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and Joshua, celebrated the Passover. The Books of Chronicles take extra care to inform us about the kings of Israel who cherished this sacred period. Paul explicitly instructed Believers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to commemorate the death of the Messiah through the observance of Passover. Naturally, the Messiah’s final meal with his Disciples took place during the holy celebration of Passover.
There is no mention of anyone in Scripture participating in Easter. The Greek word πάσχα (pascha) is uniformly translated “Passover” with the conspicuous exception of Acts 12:4 in the KJV. It perpetuates the odd practice of William Tyndale, 1526, who translated “ester” which was copied by Coverdale Bible, 1535, (“Easter”), and the Bishops Bible, 1568, (“Easter”) (See Comments: https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/56968/why-does-king-james-bible-acts-124-say-easter). The closest thing we see in Scripture to an Easter-like celebration is in Ezekiel 8, and HaShem is angered and disgusted by it.
Difference #4
The Passover lamb holds great significance during the festival of Passover, while Easter ham and bunnies do not. Scripture (Leviticus 11:7) explicitly prohibits the consumption of the traditional Easter ham, and even the presence of unclean animals, including colorful stuffed bunnies, in the sanctuary is deemed “horribly disgusting” in Ezekiel 8.
The Passover lamb was a specific instruction given to the Israelites for their Passover Seder in Egypt. This analogy is further reflected in Revelation 5:13, where the Messiah is compared to the sacrificial Passover Lamb.
Difference #5
Scripture says that the Messiah was resurrected when it was still dark, but Easter adherents say He rose at sunrise. It is quite perplexing how numerous individuals hold steadfast to the belief that the Messiah ascended at daybreak, despite the unequivocal account provided in Scripture. Mary Magdalene, upon arriving at the tomb, encountered darkness and discovered that the stone had already been rolled away (John 20:1).
It’s critical that we be accurate with even the most basic details of Scripture. Moreover, the idea of the widely popular “sunrise service” on Easter morning bears a striking resemblance to the events described in Ezekiel 8. There, men turned their backs on HaShem’s Temple to worship the rising sun in the east. HaShem’s response to this was, “…Do you see, O mortal? Is it not enough for the House of Yehuda [Judah] to practice the abominations that they have committed here, that they must fill the country with lawlessness…“
Difference #6
According to Scripture, the Messiah was in the grave for a period of three days and three nights. However, the Roman Catholic Easter tradition tells a story that lasts for less than 48 hours, where the Messiah is crucified on Good Friday and resurrected on Sunday. These two accounts, unfortunately, do not align, as they do not amount to a total of three days and three nights.
Getting the details right is crucial in demonstrating the authenticity of faith and Scripture to non-believers. The Scriptures clearly convey that the Messiah was crucified on Passover and emerged victorious from death three days later, precisely on First Fruits.
Difference #7
Passover emphasizes death; Easter life. Passover is a memorial of the death of Yeshua. While we celebrate His resurrection on First Fruits, we often place greater emphasis on His death during Passover. As we reflect on the fact that He sacrificed Himself for our sins, it presents us with an opportunity to re-evaluate our own spiritual walk: Are we still living in the shackles of something from which He has already liberated us? Is there something that we need to die to, such as the traditions of men?
Passover is a profound occasion for spiritual contemplation, while Easter festivities often lack profoundness and fail to emphasize the significance of repentance.
Difference #8
Passover highlights the significance of establishing a sacred Covenant with HaShem, while Easter tends to emphasize levity and lightheartedness. However, it is important to acknowledge that engaging in playful activities and experiencing joy is not the sole essence of these Scriptural celebrations. From the Exodus Passover to the Messiah’s Last Supper, Passover held immense significance as a moment of entering into a Covenant with the Living God. It was a time for spiritual housecleaning and sincere self-examination, as well as a time for learning Scripture.
Many churches and individuals prioritize earthly traditions such as egg hunts, candy baskets, new outfits, and Easter lunch, rather than delving into the deeper spiritual aspects. It is important to remember that while celebrating Passover can be joyous, we should not neglect the more significant matters of the Spirit.
Difference #9
Passover holds great historical importance for the people of Israel, as it not only commemorates the death of the Messiah, but also symbolizes the momentous event when HaShem liberated His people from slavery during the time of Exodus (a picture of the End Times). The magnitude and significance of being liberated from the world’s systems, the liberation from the chains of bondage, the unparalleled power of HaShem compared to the gods of the world, and the Messiah’s sacrificial act that upholds and pays tribute to HaShem’s age-old Covenant with Abraham, all contribute to a profound depth of understanding.
What is the historical significance of Easter? Many concerns have been raised regarding its connections to paganism and ungodly practices.
Difference #10
Have you ever pondered the significance of bunnies and eggs in relation to Yeshua’’s triumphant victory over death, considering that we are instructed not to worship HaShem in the same manner as other nations worship their gods? Why did eggs and bunnies become integrated into worship traditions, even though Scripture never suggests their inclusion in a dedicated day? (https://www.historicmysteries.com/history/pagan-easter/5406/)
It is important to recognize that eggs and bunnies have deep symbolic meanings tied to fertility, which have their origins in ancient pagan traditions. As these customs are not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, we should refrain from incorporating them into our worship of Almighty HaShem, as doing so would be seen as an act of idolatry.
So, now that you see some of the crucial differences between Passover and Easter, what do you plan to do with this information? Does it even make any difference? Or are you so lukewarm that Messiah will “spew you out of His mouth” when He returns (Rev. 3:16)?
