Information Related to "Lessons of the First Passover"
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Lessons of the First Passover By Joseph Sheperd As we approach God's Passover each year, it is beneficial to review Israel's first Passover with its very meaningful lessons.
he first Passover observance, as described in Exodus 12:1-14, contains powerful lessons for Christ's followers. Christ changed the symbols for the New Testament Passover to bread and wine (Luke 22:13-20), but the lessons of the first Passover, given by God to Moses, still apply and have great meaning. In fact, they can give us added appreciation for the greatness of Christ's sacrifice.
Let's review five very important lessons of the Passover that relate to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. A lamb without blemish First, the Israelites had to choose a lamb without blemish, meaning without spot, undefiled and perfect (Exodus 12:5). This lamb represented the future sacrifice of Christ, who was perfect, without spot or blemish, particularly in the spiritual sense. Thus He was a perfect sacrifice for mankind's sins.
The male lamb also had to be in his first year. This is the lamb's prime time of life. We see that Christ Himself died at age 33 in His prime -- an innocent sacrifice given at a time when human life is at its best. Protection of God Second, Israel had to eat the lamb within their homes, with the blood applied to their doorways (Exodus 12:7,13). In their homes, they were protected from the 10th plague, death of the firstborn. Likewise, those within the House of God -- His Temple and His Church, which includes all who have the Holy Spirit -- will be protected from the second death. If we continue in the faith and are led by the Holy Spirit, then Christ's sacrifice will enable us to receive the gift of everlasting life. Christ gave all
The bitter herbs reminded Israel how they suffered in slavery in Egypt . Their bondage was indeed bitter, but it also pointed to the "bondage of sin," which they were leaving and which we came out of and are to stay out of. Christ truly died for all Fourth, the "roasting with fire" pertained to the whole lamb (Exodus 12:9). This pictured the total and complete sacrifice of Christ.
Don't look back Finally, the Israelites had to be fully prepared to leave Egypt and the only world they had known (Exodus 12:11). They would now have to look to God and live by His laws and not look back at Egypt. For us, the meaning is clear -- come out of this world and never look back (2 Corinthians 6:17; Luke 17:28-33). Christ gave His lifeblood and was then resurrected to be our Savior in order for us to have the gift of eternal life (Romans 5:6-10). As Passover approaches, we need to review the myriad lessons to remember what Christ sacrificed for us to become a part of God's family. Recommended reading To learn more about the Passover, Days of Unleavened Bread and all of God's festivals, read . Copyright 2007 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Origin of article "Lessons of the First Passover"
Keywords: passover Jesus and Passover
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