This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Exodus 12:21-28, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt. But God loved them and wanted to set them free. So, He chose a man named Moses to be their leader and show them the way.
One day, Moses called all the leaders of Israel together and told them to choose a lamb for each of their families. They were to kill the lamb and take some of its blood and put it on the top and sides of their front doors. They also had to eat the lamb and some special bread that Moses showed them how to make.
Moses told them that the Lord was going to pass through Egypt and punish the Egyptians for not letting the people of Israel go free. But when the Lord saw the blood on the doors of the Israelites, He would “pass over” their homes and they would be safe. This was the first Passover celebration.
So, the people did just as Moses had said. They chose their lambs, put the blood on their doors, and ate the lamb and bread. And that night, as the Lord passed through Egypt, He did just as He promised. He “passed over” the homes of the Israelites and they were safe.
The people of Israel celebrated the Passover every year after that to remember how the Lord had saved them. And when their children asked them why they celebrated, they would tell them how the Lord had passed over their homes and kept them safe.
Biblical Lessons
- Obedience to God’s instructions brings protection and blessings.
- The sacrifice of the Passover lamb foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate Passover lamb for all people.
- God’s judgments are just and He punishes evil, but He is also merciful to those who trust in Him.
- The story of Passover reminds us that God is faithful to His promises and that He can use even the most difficult circumstances for His glory.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon