The blood of the lamb

‘On that night I will go through the land of Egypt, killing every firstborn male, both human and animal, and punishing all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood on the door-posts will be a sign to mark the houses in which you live. When I see the blood, I will pass over you and will not harm you when I punish the Egyptians. You must celebrate this day as a religious festival to remind you of what I, the LORD, have done. Celebrate it for all time to come.’ (verses 12-14)

Read Exodus 12:1-14

A lamb was to be slain, and it would be part of God’s rescue plan for his people. It was to provide them with a feast, and its blood was to be painted on the door-posts of Israeli houses. People in houses marked by the blood of the lamb were to be spared.

The Lamb was slain, as part of God’s redemption plan for his people. The flesh and blood of the Lamb, given and shed for the forgiveness of sins, provides his people with a feast. The sacrifice of the Lamb on the cross would allow God to spare his sinful people, who deserved to die. Those who trusted in the Lamb were to be spared eternal death.

The Passover and Easter are linked in the Lamb. Israel was to remember the Passover, so that they would never forget how the angel of death had passed over them and their lives were spared, the first step in their ultimate freedom from slavery in Egypt. We are told to take part in the Lord’s supper both to receive Jesus’ body and blood and to commemorate his dying to free us from slavery to sin, death and the law.

Worthy is the Lamb!

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me, and give me your peace. Amen.

by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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