Jesus, Our Passover Lamb

          The first of the seven feasts that God commanded the Israelites to observe is the Feast of Passover, which commemorates the last night that Israel spent in Egypt before their exodus. During that last night the Lord brought the tenth and final plague to bear on the Egyptians, killing all the first-born of Egypt, of man and beast. The Israelites were saved from the plague by putting the blood of a lamb on the doorway of their house, according to the Lords' instructions. "And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; 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 12:13 

     God's instructions regarding the first Passover were explicit. Each family was to take a lamb into their house on the 10th day of Nisan. The lamb was to be an unblemished male a year old. On the 14th day of Nisan, they were to kill the lambs at twilight and apply the blood to the doorposts and lintel of their house. Then they were to roast the lamb and eat it, all of it, without breaking any of its bones. Any leftovers were to be burned. They were even told in Exodus 12:11 exactly in what manner they were to eat it: with loins girded, sandals on their feet, staff in their hand, and in haste.

     In fulfillment of this feast, Jesus, our Passover Lamb, was crucified at the time that the Jews were observing the  annual Passover Feast. His blood paid the penalty for our sins so that if we apply His blood to ourselves by faith, we are given eternal life with Him, and the death angel passes over us. In fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 34:20 and the instructions for the Passover lambs eaten each year in the feast, none of Jesus' bones were broken when he hung on the cross, even though the soldiers broke the legs of the two men who were crucified with him.  John 19:32-33

     It is interesting to note that Jesus fulfilled what the Passover Feast was foreshadowing on the very day that Israel was celebrating the feast, but most of the Israelites were oblivious to the connection. Unfortunately, most of the Jews today are still unaware that Jesus, their true Passover Lamb has already come. John the Baptist tried to announce this fact to Israel 2,000 years ago when he said of Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 Jesus sets us free from the slavery to sin and the world, even as Israel was set free from slavery in Egypt so many years ago. Praise God for his wonderful gift, the gift of His precious son, Jesus.

     "And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.'" Matthew 26:27-28