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Text: Exodus 12
The final plague is the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were given a command to take the life of a lamb and sprinkle the blood on their doorposts so death would pass over them. The lamb had to be carefully selected and tried. It was the blood of that lamb that would save them from death.
When these instructions are given, it is very clear that the LORD has in mind the future Messiah, the Christ, the LORD Jesus Christ. These instructions will match the LORD Jesus Christ and particularly the last week of his life leading up to the cross. Let’s see how amazing these verses are foreshadowing the LORD Jesus Christ.
Calendar begins with liberation and ransom from death (vss 1-2)
- The Israelite’s year begins with a ransom from death. It is the new beginning of liberation from bondage and death.
- Going forward for the Jews, their year will start with a Passover celebration.
- Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. He is killed on the Passover. Paul calls him the Passover in 1 Corinthians 5:7.
- Jesus Christ comes preaching the acceptable year of the LORD.
- Jesus Christ and the newness of life! New creature. New covenant.
Consecrating the lamb (vss 3-10)
- Unblemished
- Male
- From among the sheep or the goats looks like it meant that Christ was taken from among the Israelites who were a mix sheep and goats.
- Killed on the 14th day in the evening and apply the blood on the door of the house that the lamb will be eaten.
- Fully consumed that evening and so Christ is taken off the cross that same day.
Charge to the Israelites (vss 11-28)
- Partake of it ready to move, with your loins gird and prepared to leave the world immediately.
- The blood is a token for God to pass over you in judgment
- Remove the leaven from your house.
- Tell your children (vs 26)
- By faith, Moses kept the passover (Hebrews 11:27-28). So keeping this commandment was an act of faith.
- Partaking of the sacrifice of Christ means girding your mind and be prepare yourself for the wilderness until racing the promised land.
Cry in Egypt (vss 29-36)
- There was so much sorrow in Egypt that night because of Pharaoh’s stubbornness.
- Pharaoh and the Egyptians demand the Israelites get out of the country.
Congregation allowed to participate in the passover (vss 37-51)
- Mixed multitude leaves, but there will be provision for the multitude to participate.
- Their time in Egypt was fulfilled according to Genesis 15:13. Paul would recognize this timing in Galatians 3:17.
- One law of circumcision for all participants, domestic or foreign. (vss 47-49)
- Jesus Christ is available to all who will participate with God lawfully.
