Our Perfect Passover Lamb

According to the Torah, the Passover lamb was offered the night of the Exodus from Egypt.  The lamb had to be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.

God required special care of the chosen lamb. The lamb was brought into the homes of the Israelites on the tenth of Nisan and treated with special attention, cared for, and guarded until the fourteenth day of the month.  This was an important part of the process to fulfill Passover.  The family witnessed the innocence of the lamb. They were able to experience the importance of the sacrifice and connect with how serious it was. The future nation was being prepared for the Perfect Sacrificial Lamb that was to come.  Like the Passover lambs, Jesus was inspected. Pilot declared before the Jewish leaders, “I find no guilt in Him. “ (Luke 23:4) Jesus was without defect.

On the fourteenth of Nisan, the whole community was to slaughter their lamb at twilight. Blood was to be spread over the sides and tops of each doorframe.  Very specific instructions were given for preparing and eating the following meal, which would come to be known as Passover. We’re reminded throughout Scripture that disregarding any step in the process was neither pleasing nor appropriate before God.  It would be met with rejection.  Other than Christ Himself, there is no exception to these requirements. However, throughout Biblical history, there appear to have been times when the Israelites put aside the Passover feast.   

This week, we reflect in a special way on the Perfect Passover Lamb, the One whose flesh was willingly stripped and whose blood covers our sin so we can walk in the Perfect Promise Land with Him.  We celebrate Christ’s victory over death. While the first Passover lambs reminded the Israelites of God’s protection, the lambs were dead and gave no eternal covering. The Second and Perfect Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, not only died, but He rose again to defeat sin and give us life.  The necessity of the Passover meal has been fulfilled in Christ alone. Using the Passover meal today for anything other than a sacred reminder of Christ’s completed sacrifice for us is denying His purpose and completion at the Cross and Resurrection.  The Passover meal is no longer a requirement. It is a beautiful and sacred look into the depth of Christ’s love for us.  I am reminded of the bitter suffering of Christ that brought me from the captivity of sin. I ponder The Risen Lord who always has time for me.  I rejoice in the love of my forever Passover Lamb, who willingly entered Jerusalem on my behalf. On your behalf.

 Jesus went to the Cross so we could have life and have it abundantly.  Jesus went to the Cross to give us a right relationship with The Father through receiving Him.  We no longer need to slaughter a lamb, because The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world was slaughtered on our behalf.  As Christians, if we choose to celebrate with a Passover meal, we do it with great reverence for how Yahwah Yirah, The Lord Who Provides, was preparing the Israelites and the rest of the world for the One Final Passover Lamb.  

Because Jesus came as the Perfect Sacrificial Lamb, we are free from condemnation and from performing to gain God’s attention.  We have His attention and His love. It’s the love of Father God that caused Him to send Jesus for us.  As we enjoy the traditions of this season, let us not forget what it cost Christ. He felt the whips and the stripping of His flesh. He felt the nails and fought for breath on the Cross. With each lash and painful pressing against the nails to inhale, He knew we were worth it to The Father.   It was always about connection. It was always about bringing us into a right relationship with The Lord.  It was always about giving us the choice to come to Him.  It is about making known The Truth of God’s love.

May the Truth of this remarkable season bring you a year of hope and walking in the grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  He came to set you free in Him alone.

In John 8:36, Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”

If you are a Believer and Follower of Christ Jesus, insert the truth of your name in these words of Jesus. 

So if the Son sets ______________ free, ______________ is free indeed.

Happy Resurrection Weekend.