Christ Our Passover

BACKGROUND:

The Israelites had spent several generations enslaved in Egypt

Gad sent Moses to intercede and to be His voice to Pharaoh.

The Lord had already sent nine plagues that devastated Egypt, but each time pharaoh hardened his heart.

1. Turning the Nile into blood

2. Frogs

3. Lice

4. Swarm of Flies

5. Killing of the Egyptian Livestock

6. Boils

7. Hail

8. Locusts

9. Darkness

God had decided that the time was right to deliver his people from bondage.

He was about to unleash the tenth and final plague, the killing of all of the firstborn of Egypt. Hence the origin of the Passover.

So, what was the Passover all about?

Read vv.1-2

A NEW BEGINNING:

The Time of the Passover marked the beginning of a new year, a new life, and a new promise.

Just as the Israelites were freed from the bondage of slavery, when we accept Jesus, we are delivered from the bondage of sin, and the fires of hell.

It constitutes a new beginning - a new life. For we are born again.

Read vv.3-6

THE PASSOVER INSTRUCTIONS:

v.5a - Unblemished Lamb:

Jesus was the perfect lamb of God, without sin, the sacrifice for our sins.

The passover required an unblemished lamb. Jesus is our passover lamb, unblemished by sin.

John 1:36

John 1:36 NKJV

And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

1 Corinthians 5:7

1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

vv. 3-6:

On the tenth day it is to be separated from the rest of the flock, and kept until the fourteenth day.

Christ had 4 days of separation from His public ministry, and ultimately His separation by arrest.

He was eventually examined and his Spotless innocence was declared before the world.

Luke Chapters 22-23.

DAY ONE:

The Passover (The Lord’s Supper), Jesus prays all night in the garden.

DAY TWO:

Jesus betrayed and arrested. Peter denies Jesus three times, the cock crows thrice.

DAYS THREE AND FOUR:

Jesus is taken before Pilate, who finds him innocent.

Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, who finds no fault.

Jesus is taken back before Pilate, who again declares his innocence and tries to release him.

The crowd chooses Barabbas (murderer) instead, even though Jesus has been declared innocent.

For the sake of their own selfish desires, Jesus, who is righteous, is Crucified.

They would rather have a murderer on the loose, than to be faced with holy righteousness.

Things don't seem so different today.

In verse 46 (exodus 12:46) we see that no bones are to be broken.

In John 19:31-33, we see that Jesus’ legs were not broken, contrary to the usual custom.

We see also that the blood was to be applied to the doorposts.

This illustrates the redeeming power of Jesus’ blood. His blood saves us from death.

Death would pass over these houses

It is no accident that the crucifixion and resurrection happened during the Passover.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides our eternal passover. No longer do we have to fear death.

THE MENU: (vv.8-10)

Unleavened bread

Leaven (yeast) in the scripture is often used as a metaphor for sin. For the bread to be unleavened, was to be without sin.

Likewise, Jesus was perfect, without sin.

Bitter herbs - They were not pleasing to eat, probably very hard to stomach. They represent the bitter and painful suffering that Jesus endured on our behalf.

The lamb was roasted over a fire, no water was to be used in its preparation.

Nothing is to be mixed with or added to Christ.

Jesus and his word must be taken without being diluted or compromised.

Just as the lamb was to be roasted without water, nothing is to be added to Christ or His word.

Proverbs 30:5-6

Proverbs 30:5–6 NKJV

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

John 14:6

John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Like the roasted lamb, Jesus was denied water while He was on the cross.

John 19:28-29

John 19:28–29 NKJV

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.

Hyssop is a bitter herb.

They were to completely eat the lamb.

We cannot take Jesus at our own convenience, with Jesus it is all or nothing.

Jesus said, if you’re not working for me, you are working against me.

Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.

DINNING INSTRUCTIONS: (v.11)

They were given specific dining instructions, as well.

They were to be fully clothed, including shoes and staff

These were their traveling clothes.

They were to be ready to go, no time to linger

Just as the Israelites were to eat in haste, with their traveling clothes on, we must also be ready.

Matthew 24:44

Matthew 24:44 NKJV

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

They were told to eat hastily.

Now is the time of salvation, it could be disastrous to wait.

2 Corinthians 6:2

2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

We don’t know when the end will come.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

1 Thessalonians 5:2–3 NKJV

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

CONCLUSION:

It was in the upper room that the Passover obtained its real meaning and deepest significance.

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