The Redemptive story starts well before all of these observances by Christ-followers. As we come to the holy day of Passover, it is important that we take a thoughtful look at this event. Three basic questions should be answered. What is Passover? What does it signify? and, To what does it point?
What is Passover? Passover is the event in history when the LORD called the entire congregation of Israel to gather in their homes to prepare for God’s imminent deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The preparations included the selection of a lamb without blemish for each household; the keeping of the lamb in the household for four days; and the killing of the lambs at twilight.
When the lamb was slaughtered, some of its blood was to be painted on the doorpost and lintel of the entry way into each house. The lamb itself was to be roasted and eaten along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Any extra that was not eaten was to be burned. Participants in the Passover meal were to eat this meal in haste with belt fastened, sandals on the feet and staff in hand.
What does Passover signify? The LORD’s Passover signifies the judgment of God. On that night the LORD passed through the land of Egypt and struck down the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. It also signified God’s judgment on all the gods of Egypt. As the LORD promised, “on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments. I am the LORD”
Passover also signified the way of escape from the judgment of God. “When I see the blood, (on the doorposts and lintels of the houses of the obedient Jews) I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”
To what does Passover point? The dominant message is that of substitutionary atonement. Following the requirement put forth by God, every family in Israel chose a lamb, slaughtered it, then painted its blood on the entry way of their houses. The Lamb itself was roasted and eaten. By God’s decree, the lamb, represented by its blood, took the judgment that was destined for all sinners that night.
Reflections: Why was the blood of the lamb sufficient as a substitute? If we look back through the history of the redemption, we see that God killed an animal to cover sinful Adam and Eve. In Abraham’s day, God provided a lamb as a substitute for Isaac. In the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest made atonement for the people of God by slaughtering a lamb and sprinkling its blood on the mercy seat.
In the death of Christ, we behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Paul told the Ephesians that “In him (Christ) we have redemption through his blood.” When the LORD sees the blood of his Son, he passes over sinners and does not execute his just judgment upon them. Christ is God’s gracious gift for us. Our response is to acknowledge Christ’s blood as the acceptable and sufficient means of bringing atonement and to put our trust in Christ alone for salvation. Have your done so?