Scripture: Exodus 12:43-51
I. Jesus Christ the Passover Lamb
A. Christ and the Passover lamb are connected through prophecy
(Ex. 12:46 Num. 9:12 Ps. 34:20 John 19:33-36)
B. Jesus Christ – our Passover lamb – slain for us (I Cor. 5:8-8)
C. Jesus Christ – our Passover – slain at Passover (John 19:14)
D. Jesus’ blood protects us from the destroyer (Heb. 11:28 1 John 1:7)
1. Blood caused God to spare the firstborn ones (Ex. 12:13)
2. Church is firstborn ones of the new covenant (Heb. 12:23)
3. Firstborn must be redeemed – Christ is our redeemer
(Ex. 13:2,13 Titus 2:14)
II. The Lord’s Supper – our Passover Meal
A. Lord’s supper instituted after Passover (Luke 22:19-20)
B. Passover to be fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:16)
(compare Matt. 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, and Luke 22:14-20)
C. We eat the body of Christ – our Passover lamb (I Cor. 11:23-26
III. Observations concerning the Passover
A. Unleavened bread was required – it demonstrated haste in leaving Egypt (Ex. 12:11, 15, 17, 34, 39, et. al.)
B. Passover eaten only in the house (Ex. 12:46)
C. All covenant people ate (Ex. 12:47-48)
D. Non-covenant people could not eat (Ex. 12:43-45, 48)
E. No acceptable excuse not to eat the Passover (Num. 9:6-13)
F. One law for all (Ex. 12:49 Num. 9:14)
Conclusion: The law contained a number of life pictures concerning the nature and work of Christ. Here is the picture of redemption and “passing over” by the destroyer all those who were protected by the blood of the lamb. Such is true also in the new covenant.
————————
Lesson Six: The Passover Lamb – A Symbol of Christ
Introduction: In the old Scriptures we find the story of when God passed over the houses of the Israelites when in Egyptian bondage but slew the firstborn of the Egyptians that same night. God ‘passed over’ the houses that were protected by the blood of the Passover lamb. This lamb symbolized Christ and it is His blood that protects Christians today.
I. Jesus Christ the Passover Lamb: The Scriptures are very careful to relate Christ to the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20, John 19:33-36). The reason for this is because the Passover lamb represented one aspect of the work of the Messiah, that of protecting God’s children from His perfect wrath. Jesus was slain for us as our Passover lamb (I Corinthians 5:7-8) and His blood protects us through cleansing us from the guilt of our sins. Just as God spared the firstborn ones of the long ago because of the blood, so He spares the firstborn ones today (Hebrews 12:23) because of the blood of Christ.
II. The Lord’s Supper – Our Passover Meal: When Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper, He did so at the conclusion of the Passover meal he ate with His disciples. At this time He stated that the Passover was to be fulfilled in the kingdom (Luke 22:16) and, as our Passover lamb, the emblems we take represent his body and blood. In the old law the eating of the Passover caused the children to ask questions and afforded an opportunity to teach them about God’s deliverance (Exodus 12:25-27). Such is true today about the Lord’s supper.
III. Observations Concerning the Passover: There are several things of interest concerning the Passover. We will look at a few of them here.
-
1. Unleavened bread was required symbolizing haste in leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:).
-
2. The Passover was eaten only in the house (Exodus 12:46).
-
3. All covenant people ate (Exodus 12:47-48).
-
4. Non-covenant people could not eat (Exodus 12:43-45, 48).
-
5. There was no acceptable excuse not to eat (Numbers 9:6-13).
-
6. There was one law for all (Exodus 12:49, Numbers 9:14).
Conclusion: The law contained a number of life pictures concerning the nature and work of Christ. Here is the picture of redemption and “passing over” by the destroyer of all those who were protected by the blood of the Lamb. Such is true also in the new covenant.
Thought Question:
Discuss the implications of the Passover as they relate to the church today in worship.