The term *pascha* (G3957), translated as Passover, holds significant connection to the Lord's Supper within the scriptural narrative. In Matthew 26:2, 17, 18, and 19, *pascha* refers to the feast of the Passover, during which Jesus knew His time of betrayal and crucifixion was near. It was on the night of the final and last Passover supper that Jesus introduced the New Testament Lord's Supper, linking it directly to the Old Testament observance. The original Passover, as detailed in Exodus 12, marked the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt, with the lamb killed at the beginning of the 14th of Abib, symbolizing deliverance. Jesus, identified as our Passover sacrificed for us in I Corinthians 5:7, was crucified on the same day of the year that the Passover lambs were traditionally slain. Further, in Acts 12:4, the term *pascha* is mistranslated as Easter in some versions, but it correctly means Passover, indicating the time of year when these events were recorded, long after the New Testament Church was established. The observance of the Lord's Supper, as a continuation of the Passover with new emblems, commemorates Jesus' death and our deliverance from sin, observed annually on the 14th of Abib after sundown, following the example set by Him. This connection underscores the continuity between the Old Testament Passover and the New Testament ordinance, maintaining the sacred timing and significance of *pascha*.

The Passover, known as *pascha* (G3957), stands as a critical observance in the history of God's church, frequently under attack across both Old and New Covenant times. It is a festival of profound significance, targeted by satan due to its central role in God's purpose. The Passover has faced repeated challenges, evident in historical conflicts like the Quartodecimani Controversy of the second and third centuries AD, where efforts were made to abolish its observance in favor of alternative practices. In its essence, the Passover commemorates God's act of passing over the Israelites, sparing them from the plague that struck the Egyptians. This event, distinct from the exodus celebrated during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, defines the day and the sacrifice associated with *pascha*. The term itself, as noted by historian Flavius Josephus, signifies the feast of the passover, directly linked to God's protective act on the fourteenth day. The importance of Passover is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Old Covenant, it marked the beginning of God's relationship with Israel. In the New Covenant, Jesus Christ, as the true Passover Lamb, initiated a renewed relationship through His sacrifice, introducing new symbols of His body and blood during His last Passover meal with His disciples. He commanded His followers to partake of these symbols as a solemn memorial of His death, reaffirming their bond with God through this annual observance. Properly keeping the Passover is a matter of life and death, as it was for the Israelites in Egypt. Failure to observe it according to God's command would have resulted in death, just as neglecting it now jeopardizes spiritual life. Jesus Christ emphasized the necessity of partaking in the symbols of His body and blood, stating that without this, there is no life in a person. This annual reaffirmation through Passover is essential to an ongoing relationship with Him and God the Father, initiating the process toward salvation and requiring continual renewal. The Passover's significance is further underscored by its role in starting the journey toward inheritance, both for Israel in their exodus and for believers heading toward God's Promised Land in the Kingdom of God. It is not merely a starting point but a recurring commitment, vital for continuing on the path to eternal life. Obedience to Christ's commands, including the observance of Passover with footwashing, bread, and wine, is integral to this covenant, binding believers to a life dedicated to Him.

The observance of the Passover, represented by the Greek word *pascha* (G3957), holds a central place in God's plan of salvation. The annual keeping of the Passover serves as a reminder of the initial step in fulfilling this divine plan, calling individuals out of a world filled with sin and evil. Passover is established as one of God's festivals, a feast of the Lord, instituted by Him and commanded to be observed. In the historical context, God instructed the Israelites, upon their exodus from Egypt, to observe the Passover by choosing an unblemished lamb on the 10th day of the month Abib, killing it at twilight on the 14th, and placing its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their homes to protect their firstborn from the death angel. This act symbolized a greater sacrifice, pointing to Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the day of the Passover, fulfilling the symbolism of the lamb through His death. Jesus Christ Himself observed the Passover during His life on earth, setting a perfect example for all to follow. He taught His disciples new elements of observance during the New Testament Passover, including the act of footwashing as a demonstration of humility and service, and the partaking of unleavened bread and wine as a memorial of His death. These practices replaced the traditional killing of a lamb, as His sacrifice fully accomplished the symbolism. New Testament Christians are commanded to keep the Passover annually, as a vital act of remembrance and participation in the life and sacrifice of Christ. The apostle Paul instructed Gentile believers to observe it with the symbols of bread and wine, emphasizing its continuation until Christ's return. Despite some mistranslations of *pascha* as other terms in certain scriptures, its consistent meaning as Passover underscores its enduring significance in the true church of God.