The Passover Series

Exodus 12:1-28 - The Passover

Introduction:

Exodus 12 and 13 constitute a single literary unit as both describe Jehovah's Passover. These chapters have instructions for the preparation, observations, readiness to leave, and passing on to future generations as an ordinance. The description of the Lamb and the rites and rituals to follow by every house are clearly spelled out. Moses was leading them all on the first Passover.

Passover:

The English word Passover comes from Pesa? or Pesach of the Hebrew word. It commemorates the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The “passing over” of the forces of destruction, and sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites is the main emphasis of Passover. Passover begins on the 15th and ends on the 21st of the month of Nisan. On these days all leaven is prohibited to eat (Encyclopedia of Britannica). The Lord makes all things new to those whom he delivers from the bondage of Satan. The time when he does this is the beginning of their new life (Matthew Henry). The new life is found only in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5). Abib or Nisan is the beginning of a new Biblical year. This occurs in the Spring, usually around April.

Seder:

The Hebrew word “seder” translates to “order.” Passover seder is a home ritual blending religious rituals, food, song, and storytelling. Families hold a seder on the first and sometimes second night of Passover (Sarah Grah, History of Passover). Passover incorporates themes of springtime, a Jewish homeland, family, remembrance of Jewish history, social justice, and freedom. It points to recognizing people who are still being oppressed.

The Passover is the early edition of the Gospel. Christ was our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus was actually crucified on Passover (John 19:14). We see Jesus in the Passover (Enduring Word). The death of Jesus brought significance and meaning to the Passover. The Passover is the verification and interpretation of the cross. The Passover is the shadow and the cross is the substance. The Passover is the pattern cross is the perfection. (Charles H. Stevens, Wilderness Journey)

At a Passover celebration, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. This meal too means liberation for all who partake, freedom from sin, freedom from the world, and freedom from all demonic powers. The communion is open to all who are invited, believed, and baptized. The blood of Christ will pass over the sins of all the communicants. (Ralph Klein Working Preacher).

The story of the Lamb is interwoven in most of the passages of the Bible. The Slain Lamb runs like a silver thread throughout the Scriptures. Through Abel’s sacrifice, Lamb is typified (Genesis 4), through Isaac’s story lamb is prophesized (Genesis 22), and the Passover lamb is specified in Egypt (Exodus 12). Prophet Isaiah personifies the Lamb (Isaiah 53), and John the Baptist identifies the Lamb (John 1:29). In Revelation 5 the Lamb is magnified and in Revelation 22 Lamb is glorified. (Joseph A Seiss, Holy Types).

Three requirements for the Paschal Lamb:

It must be A Male (Exodus 12:5), it must be a Lamb without blemish from your flock (Exodus 12:5), and the Lamb to be killed (Exodus 12:6). Jesus the Passover Lamb was spotless. He was not stained by any sin, any moral or spiritual imperfection. Jesus was killed and his blood was actually poured out of life that atoned for sin.

The use of Hyssop:

Moses was instructed to take a bunch of hyssops and instructed to apply the blood to the doorposts and the lintel. Hyssop was often used to apply blood for the cleansing of sin. Hyssop was always connected with purification through sacrifice. (Leviticus 14:6, Numbers 19:6, 19:18, Psalm 51:7.) Hyssop was even connected with Jesus’ great sacrifice for sin. John 19:29 points out that when Jesus was offered sour wine to drink on the cross, the sponge soaked with it was put on a bunch of hyssops.

Purpose of the Festival:

Festival unites the people, cements them as one nation, helps to trace their lineage, and makes them proud of one another as one clan, and to worship one God without deviations. Israelites had three festivals to celebrate to avoid a long-time gap to renew their fellowship and relationships with one another. These festivals helped them to be united in spirit, culture, and values among themselves. Above all these festivals point towards redemption.

Discussion:

Discuss about the sacrifices offered in other religions and the importance of Gospel preaching.

(Please refer other studies related to Exodus Events)