Christ Our Passover

Scripture

Exodus 11:4–8 ESV

So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, you and all the people who follow you.’ And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.

Exodus 11:4-8

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Exodus 12:1–13 ESV

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:29–32 ESV

At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”

Introduction

American holidays are meant to commemorate important events in our history.

For Israelites, Passover reminds them that God had delivered them from captivity and slavery. It gives us a beautiful picture of both God’s judgment and God’s salvation.

God Warns of Judgment ()

The first nine plagues had wreaked havoc on the Egyptians, and God had manifested His glory in unleashing judgment upon the empire that stood against Him and His people. One final plague remained—one that would be worse than all the others. And through Moses, God chose to warn Pharaoh of the judgment to come in .

manifested His glory in unleashing judgment upon the empire that stood

against Him and His people. One final plague remained—one that would be

Moses foretold that the “firstborn” of both man and animals would be killed (). Earlier in the Exodus story, God referred to Israel as His firstborn (4:22) and indicated that Pharaoh would pay with his firstborn (4:22-23). Now the time had come for this hard-hearted Egyptian ruler. This judgment was going to be severe.

manifested His glory in unleashing judgment upon the empire that stood

worse than all the others. And through Moses, God chose to warn Pharaoh of

(). Earlier in the Exodus story, God referred to Israel as His firstborn

(4:22) and indicated that Pharaoh would pay with his firstborn (4:22-23). Now

EXAMPLE: What did parents use to warn you that you were about to get in trouble? (count to three; call you by your full name, etc.)

against Him and His people. One final plague remained—one that would be

the judgment to come:

the time had come for this hard-hearted Egyptian ruler. This judgment was going

worse than all the others. And through Moses, God chose to warn Pharaoh of

to be severe.

What warnings might we receive from God today when we refuse to listen to His instructions? What does it take for God to get your attention?

the judgment to come:

God Offers Protection Through A Sacrifice (, )

In , we find God doing something on a much grander scale. God changes the calendar of the Israelites so that they celebrate the Passover. He tells Moses and Aaron that there will be a new calendar (vv. 1-2), and it will be a sign of a new beginning. God establishes their calendar based on theology. At the beginning of each year, they will remember God’s great salvation. God must be at the forefront of their lives and be central to all that they do.

changes the calendar of the Israelites so that they celebrate the Passover. He tells

to him and say, “Leave.” In light of God’s judgment, Pharaoh’s closest leaders

Moses and Aaron that there will be a new calendar (vv. 1-2), and it will be a sign

would be totally humiliated before Moses, and ultimately before Moses’ God.

The people were to take a lamb on the tenth day of this month for each household, or for the number of people who could eat a lamb. The lamb served as a substitute. However, the lamb was only acceptable if it was a one-year-old male without blemish. In , God said that a blemished animal used for a sacrifice was an abomination. Israel needed a perfect substitute, a perfect sacrifice.

of a new beginning. God establishes their calendar based on theology. At the

They would bow to Moses instead of Pharaoh.

household, or for the number of people who could eat a lamb. The lamb served as

changes the calendar of the Israelites so that they celebrate the Passover. He tells

beginning of each year, they will remember God’s great salvation. God must be at

a substitute. However, the lamb was only acceptable if it was a one-year-old male

Moses and Aaron that there will be a new calendar (vv. 1-2), and it will be a sign

the forefront of their lives and be central to all that they do.

without blemish. In , God said that a blemished animal used for a

of a new beginning. God establishes their calendar based on theology. At the

beginning of each year, they will remember God’s great salvation. God must be at

sacrifice was an abomination. Israel needed a perfect substitute, a perfect sacrifice.

the forefront of their lives and be central to all that they do.

In verses 6-7, we see what was to happen to this unblemished lamb. It was to be killed at twilight. The slain lamb would be a vivid reminder to everyone that all deserve judgment. (See .) Consequently, a blameless life had to be sacrificed in the place of the guilty people who needed salvation. The blood of the lamb was to be applied to their doorposts (v. 7). The obedience of placing the blood on their doorposts showed that they believed God would keep His word and pass over, sparing that house from judgment. So, Israel escaped judgment through this sacrifice, and salvation was accomplished by faith in the work of the substitute. The blood on their doors served as a sign that judgment had already fallen at that house.

household, or for the number of people who could eat a lamb. The lamb served as

a substitute. However, the lamb was only acceptable if it was a one-year-old male

without blemish. In , God said that a blemished animal used for a

sacrifice was an abomination. Israel needed a perfect substitute, a perfect sacrifice.

In verses 6-7, we see what was to happen to this unblemished lamb. It was to

be killed at twilight. The slain lamb would be a vivid reminder to everyone

that all deserve judgment. (See .) Consequently, a blameless life had

to be sacrificed in the place of the guilty people who needed salvation. The

Just as the plagues were a sign to Egypt of God’s justice and judgment, now the Passover was a sign of God’s mercy to Israel.

blood of the lamb was to be applied to their doorposts (v. 7). The obedience

of placing the blood on their doorposts showed that they believed God would

keep His word and pass over, sparing that house from judgment. So, Israel

escaped judgment through this sacrifice, and salvation was accomplished by

faith in the work of the substitute.The blood on their doors served as a sign

that judgment had already fallen at that house. Just as the plagues were a sign

to Egypt of God’s justice and judgment, now the Passover was a sign of God’s

mercy to Israel.

Thus, we see God continue to keep the promise of and the Abrahamic covenant. In the midst of looming judgment, God provided. He protected Israel from slavery and death for future salvation. In accomplishing this, He said, “And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” God accepted the blood of the sacrifice and passed over their sin.

Abrahamic covenant. In the midst of looming judgment, God provided. He

Exodus 12:29–32 ESV

At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”

protected Israel from slavery and death for future salvation. In accomplishing

this, He said, “And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague

In this passage we see God’s redeeming power displayed in a “great reversal.” God began by striking down the firstborns of Egypt. He would end the debates with one cataclysmic sign. He judged all of Egypt without distinction, from rich to poor, good to bad. The cries in the land extended to all peoples. The destroyer would go through the mightiest nation in the world, like a knife through butter.

will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” God accepted

God began by striking down the firstborns of Egypt. He would end the debates

be killed at twilight. The slain lamb would be a vivid reminder to everyone

Earlier we read God’s word to Moses, “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, ‘Let my son go that he may serve me.’ If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son” (). Here we see that God kept His word.

the blood of the sacrifice and passed over their sin.

with one cataclysmic sign. He judged all of Egypt without distinction, from

that all deserve judgment. (See .) Consequently, a blameless life had

to be sacrificed in the place of the guilty people who needed salvation. The

rich to poor, good to bad. The cries in the land extended to all peoples. The

This need for a perfect sacrifice reminds us of our own state. We, being corrupted by our sin, cannot save ourselves. Our good works are like the blemished lamb—unworthy before a holy God. We need one who serves as a substitute on our behalf. Jesus is the Lamb for the household of God. Only through faith in Him are our sins covered. He alone is our hope. Paul says, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” ().

corrupted by our sin, cannot save ourselves. Our good works are like the

destroyer would go through the mightiest nation in the world, like a knife

blood of the lamb was to be applied to their doorposts (v. 7). The obedience

God began by striking down the firstborns of Egypt. He would end the debates

blemished lamb—unworthy before a holy God. We need one who serves as

of placing the blood on their doorposts showed that they believed God would

through butter.

with one cataclysmic sign. He judged all of Egypt without distinction, from

Similarly, those who have been born again have Christ’s blood covering them. God sees Christ’s blood on us and passes over our sin. He forgives our trespasses and accepts Christ’s righteousness as our own.

a substitute on our behalf. Jesus is the Lamb for the household of God. Only

rich to poor, good to bad. The cries in the land extended to all peoples. The

keep His word and pass over, sparing that house from judgment. So, Israel

Earlier we read God’s word to Moses, “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, ‘Let my son go that he may serve me.’ If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son” (). Here we see that God kept His word.

through faith in Him are our sins covered. He alone is our hope. Paul says,

says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, ‘Let my son go that he

Application

destroyer would go through the mightiest nation in the world, like a knife

escaped judgment through this sacrifice, and salvation was accomplished by

How do we respond to this story of Passover? Few thoughts:

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” ().

may serve me.’ If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son”

through butter.

faith in the work of the substitute.The blood on their doors served as a sign

(). Here we see that God kept His word.

We must remember that true freedom comes in Jesus Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (). He’s the Lamb who provides us with total protection from God’s judgment (; ). He was the spotless, unblemished Lamb, chosen before the foundation of the world (). He was the Lamb whose bones were not broken (); the ultimate Lamb, crucified during Passover (). This Lamb will apply His blood to our account (). So trust in Him alone for salvation.

that judgment had already fallen at that house. Just as the plagues were a sign

Earlier we read God’s word to Moses, “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus

Similarly, those who have been born again have Christ’s blood covering

from God’s judgment (; ). He was the spotless, unblemished Lamb,

to Egypt of God’s justice and judgment, now the Passover was a sign of God’s

them. God sees Christ’s blood on us and passes over our sin. He forgives our

says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, ‘Let my son go that he

(). So trust in Him alone for salvation.

We must worship the Lamb. If you have come to Him by faith, then you can sing the song of the redeemed (). Our Savior is worth all of our praise—both our verbal praise and the praise that comes through an obedient life.

may serve me.’ If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son”

trespasses and accepts Christ’s righteousness as our own.

We must tell the world about the Lamb. We should tell everyone about the judgment that is to come, and offer to everyone the good news of salvation through Jesus, our substitute Lamb. Many around the world have yet to hear about the good news.

you can sing the song of the redeemed (). Our Savior is worth all

(). So trust in Him alone for salvation.

mercy to Israel.

chosen before the foundation of the world (). He was the Lamb

(). Here we see that God kept His word.

the judgment that is to come, and offer to everyone the good news of salvation

whose bones were not broken (); the ultimate Lamb, crucified

you can sing the song of the redeemed (). Our Savior is worth all

of our praise—both our verbal praise and the praise that comes through an

Thus, we see God continue to keep the promise of and the

of our praise—both our verbal praise and the praise that comes through an

Abrahamic covenant. In the midst of looming judgment, God provided. He

obedient life.

through Jesus, our substitute Lamb. Many around the world have yet to hear

during Passover (). This Lamb will

about the good news.

obedient life.

protected Israel from slavery and death for future salvation. In accomplishing

this, He said, “And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague

will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” God accepted

the blood of the sacrifice and passed over their sin.