This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Exodus 12:1-20, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, God spoke to Moses and Aaron in Egypt and told them that He had a plan to rescue the Israelites from their slavery. He wanted to free them and take them to a new land that He had promised to their ancestors.
To begin the plan, God instructed the Israelites to celebrate a special feast called the Passover. It was a way to remember how God had saved them from their enemies and to show their trust in Him for the future.
God told Moses and Aaron that they needed to choose a perfect lamb, without any blemishes, and keep it in their homes for four days. Then on the 14th day of the month, they were to kill the lamb and use its blood to mark the doorposts of their houses.
God also gave them specific instructions for how to cook and eat the lamb. They were to roast it and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They were not allowed to eat it raw or boiled in water, only roasted. They were to eat it quickly, with their belts fastened, their sandals on their feet, and their staffs in their hands, ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
On that same night, God was going to pass through Egypt and punish the Egyptians by taking the life of every firstborn son and animal. But when God saw the blood on the doorposts of the Israelites’ houses, He “passed over” them and they were safe. That’s why it’s called the Passover.
God told the Israelites to remember the Passover every year to celebrate how He had saved them from their enemies. They were to do it in the same way that God had instructed them, so that they would never forget the powerful way that God had rescued them.
Biblical Lessons
- God is powerful and can save His people from any problem.
- We should always be thankful for the things that God does for us.
- Remembering important events in our lives is a good way to show gratitude and stay connected to our past.
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