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
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon