From Passover To Easter: A Journey Of Redemption Series

From Passover to Easter: A Journey of Redemption

Introduction:

Today, we embark on a journey exploring the transformation of Passover into Easter—a journey of redemption, hope, and salvation. As we delve into this topic, we'll uncover the rich biblical truths that underpin the transition from the Old Testament Passover to the New Testament celebration of Easter.

Point 1: The Foundation of Passover

Exodus 12:14 (NLT) "For this is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time."

Passover, instituted during the time of Moses, commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The sacrificial lamb's blood on the doorposts spared the Israelites from the final plague—death of the firstborn—and marked the beginning of their journey to freedom.

Exodus 12:26-27 (NLT): "And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’”

In these verses, Moses instructs the Israelites to commemorate the Passover and explains its significance to future generations. The Passover was a pivotal event in Israel's history, symbolising their deliverance from slavery in Egypt through the blood of the sacrificial lamb.

Exodus 12:42 (NLT): "Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honour the Lord for the generations to come."

This verse emphasises the importance of the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites. It marks the night when God delivered them from bondage, demonstrating His faithfulness and power.

"Passover is our ancestors' festival of freedom. It is ours, too." - Unknown

Point 2: The Fulfilment in Christ

1 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT): "Get rid of the old yeast by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us."

In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate Passover Lamb whose blood redeems humanity from the bondage of sin. His sacrificial death on the cross fulfills the symbolism of the Passover, offering eternal salvation to all who believe in Him.

Here, Paul refers to Jesus as the Passover Lamb, drawing a parallel between the Passover sacrifice and the crucifixion of Jesus. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from judgment, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross delivers believers from sin and its consequences.

John 1:29 (NLT): "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb whose death atones for the sins of humanity. This declaration underscores Jesus' role in fulfilling the symbolism of the Passover lamb.

Hebrews 9:14 (NLT): "Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins."

The author of Hebrews highlights the superior efficacy of Christ's sacrifice compared to the blood of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament. Jesus' blood not only cleanses from sin but also enables believers to serve the living God with purified consciences.

"Christ became our Passover, the fulfilment of the old law, the gateway to the new covenant." - Billy Graham

Point 3: The Resurrection and New Life

1 Corinthians 15:20 (NLT) "But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died."

Paul affirms the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death, providing believers with the hope of eternal life.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying victory over sin and death. Through His resurrection, believers are offered the promise of new life—a life redeemed and transformed by the power of the risen Saviour.

Romans 6:4 (NLT): "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."

This verse elucidates the spiritual significance of baptism, symbolising believers' identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. As Christ rose from the dead, believers are empowered to live transformed lives, free from the bondage of sin.

1 Peter 1:3 (NLT): "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,"