(1 Cor 5:7) . . . For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
Passover is the day the Jews celebrate the saving of their firstborn and their deliverance from Egypt. But it also has importance for the Christian. Let’s study the Old Testament historical significance of the Passover from Exodus 12 and then “pass-over” to the New Testament and see it’s fulfillment in Christ.
- A LAMB WAS OFFERED ON PASSOVER (Exo 12:3). Jesus is the Lamb of God slain as a sacrifice and substitute for our sins. (John 1:29) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
- THE LAMB WAS TO BE A MALE (Exo 12:5). Jesus is the Son of God! (Isa 9:6) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given . . .
- THE LAMB HAD TO BE WITHOUT BLEMISH (Exo 12:5). Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God. (1 Pet 1:18-19) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
- THE PASSOVER LAMB MUST BE A CHOICE LAMB IN THE PRIME OF HIS LIFE (Exo 12:5). Jesus was only 33 years old and in the prime of His life when He was crucified. (Luke 3:23) Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph . . .
- THE BLOOD OF THE PASSOVER LAMB HAD TO BE APPLIED ON THE DOORPOSTS AND LINTEL (Exo 12:7). A person must by faith come to Christ and receive the personal application of Christ’s blood for the forgiveness of his sins. (Eph 1:7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
- THE PASSOVER LAMB OF GOD PROVIDES PERFECT PROTECTION FROM JUDGMENT (Exo 12:12-13). Jesus took our judgment, so we would not have to suffer the wrath of God against sin. (Rom 5:9) . . . having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
- THE BONES OF THE PASSOVER LAMB WERE NOT TO BE BROKEN (Exo 12:46). After all the terrible beatings of Jesus it is amazing that not one bone was broken! (John 19:33) But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.
The Passover is alive with prophetical reference pointing to our salvation in Christ. No wonder Paul spoke of CHRIST OUR PASSOVER. Is He yours? Make Him your Savior today!
Louie