Exodus 12:1-28 – The Lamb That Was Slain
The final plague is approaching, but before it is sent the instructions of the Passover are given. In fact the instructions are given twice in this section. The LORD instructing Moses and then Moses gives the instructions to the people.
A lamb was to be taken for each household. It was to be a lamb without blemish, that is with no faults. The lamb was killed, roasted, and completely devoured, the blood spread on the door frames of the house.
God’s people needed a perfect substitute and a perfect sacrifice. If they were to escape from the coming judgment of death then this was the only way. They had to take shelter under the blood of the lamb.
The Passover was also to be a continual remembrance for God’s people. They were to remember the wonderful works that the LORD had done for them.
The need for a perfect substitute reminds us of our own spiritual state. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot escape the coming judgment of God by ourselves. We need a perfect lamb, one that became a sacrifice for sin, one whose blood was shed, and so one that becomes a substitute for us.
When Jesus began his public ministry John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
It is only in Jesus Christ that we find refuge from judgment. It is only because his blood was shed for sin do we find that judgment will pass over us.
Now we remember his death and our redemption, not through a Passover meal, but in the Lord’s Supper. When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Every time we take the cup and the bread we do so in remembrance of him.
Questions
- Why was it important for the people of Israel to remember this great event?
- How are we commanded to remember the greater deliverance in Jesus Christ?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the work of Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.