Imagine standing on the banks of the Nile River, watching as families gather lambs and separate our goats, preparing for a night unlike any other. This night, instructions were given, a divine plan set into motion, painting a picture of redemption and salvation.
This story, rooted Exodus, mirrors a greater story of hope and deliverance found in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
Passover in Exodus 12:5-7,11-12, we find a rich testimony of real people and foreshadows that point us to Jesus Christ.
Each element, each instruction given to the Israelites, carries with it a significance that finds its fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
1. Separating the Lamb
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.” Exodus 12:5
Just as the Israelites were instructed to separate a lamb without blemish, Jesus presented Himself as the flawless Lamb, set apart and distinct. In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus was examined by religious and political leaders, yet He was found without fault, fulfilling the prophecy and ensuring that He was the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
“Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.” Luke 23:4
2. Lamb on the Inside
“And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” Exodus 12:8
The Israelites consumed the Passover lamb, internalizing its significance. Similarly, Jesus, during the Last Supper, shared the Passover meal with His disciples, signifying His body and blood given for us. The New Testament reveals that those who accept Christ have the “Lamb of God” residing within them, symbolizing the internalization of His sacrifice for our salvation.
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29
3. Blood on the Outside
“And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it” Exodus 12:7
The application of the lamb’s blood on the doorposts was a crucial act of faith and obedience, signaling protection from judgment.
In parallel, Jesus’ crucifixion mirrored this protective marking, as His blood shed on the cross offers salvation and shields us from eternal death.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:18-19
4. Death in the Streets
“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.” Exodus 12:12
Tragically, many in Egypt did not heed the warning and faced the dire consequences. This historical event foreshadows the spiritual reality many face today: living without Christ and facing eternal separation from God.
However, hope is not lost. Jesus Christ offers us a way to escape judgment through His sacrifice.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
As we remember the Passover and its depiction of Christ, let us remember the extraordinary love and sacrifice that has been extended to us.
The story of Exodus is a story that continues to resonate with the promise of redemption through Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb.
