Jesus: The Perfect Passover Lamb
By: Alex Shipley on | Comments: 1The Passover is a significant event in Jewish history that commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Passover lamb was sacrificed, and its blood was placed on the doorposts to protect the Israelites from the angel of death. The Passover meal is observed annually as a reminder of this miraculous event. (Read more on the Passover in the book of Exodus).
But the Passover has a deeper meaning as well. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life on the cross to save and provide hope for humanity from sin and death. He was God’s plan for salvation from the beginning of time. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Passover in a way that no other sacrifice could.
First, Jesus was the perfect Passover Lamb. In John 1:29, John the Baptist calls Jesus "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus was without blemish, just as the Passover lamb had to be. His blood was shed to provide redemption for all who trust in him, just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites.
Second, Jesus' death on the cross occurred during the Passover celebration. He was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, the same day that the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the temple. This was not a coincidence; it was a divine appointment that God had orchestrated to show that Jesus was the ultimate Passover sacrifice.
Finally, Jesus' death on the cross inaugurated a new covenant between God and us. In Luke 22:20, Jesus tells his disciples that the cup of wine he shares with them represents "the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." This new covenant fulfills the promise that God made to Abraham, that through him all nations of the world would be blessed.
Through his death on the cross, Jesus fulfilled the Passover in a way that no other sacrifice could. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, redemption, and provision. He provided blessings and deliverance to the Israelites as He does for us now through Jesus Christ. As we remember the Passover, let’s also celebrate the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us and praise him for the redemption he’s provided.