1 Corinthians 5:7-8
I’m calling you today to a celebration. Passover is the celebration of who Jesus is and what He’s done for us. Jesus wasn’t a somber recluse. Look at Him at the wedding in Cana where He performed His first miracle. Describing the Lord Jesus, Hebrews 1:9 says, “God has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”
One reason they crucified Jesus was that He enjoyed life. Those sanctimonious Pharisees couldn’t stand it. Some of our best witness comes from sharing His joy and gladness.
Salvation is a feast. Most people aren’t all that interested in Heaven or Hell—they just want to know how to survive Monday. If you show up looking like a funeral director, they’ll say “No thanks,” no matter what you want to share.
Christians are called to celebrate Passover. You say, “That’s Jewish.” Not so fast. Passover and Easter are inextricably linked. Paul told us Passover is a celebration both Christians and Jews should keep (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
What is Passover all about?
A lamb. The Jews were slaves in Egypt, but God said, “You’re My chosen people. I will bring you out.” On Passover night, He did just that. Every Jewish family had put the blood of a spotless lamb upon the doorposts of their house. God had said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Passover is all wrapped up in a perfect lamb.
Our Redemption Prophesied
The Old Testament is a book of prophecy; it says Someone is coming, referring to Jesus. The prepared lamb in each Jewish household foretold Jesus, the Lamb of God. Its blood on their door saved them from the death angel, secured their freedom, and depicted our salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross. Christians have every reason to celebrate Passover.
PASSOVER’S SPOTLESS LAMB
“Your lamb shall be without blemish”—a perfect male lamb (Exodus 12:5).
PASSOVER’S SACRIFICED LAMB
On the day appointed for Passover, the lamb was killed. God was teaching His people a fundamental truth: without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. The life is in the blood, but the wages of sin is death. There must be atonement for sin; atonement requires the taking of innocent life. The lamb must be slain.
PASSOVER’S SAVING LAMB
While the death angel passed through the land, everyone who entered the house under the blood of the lamb was spared.
PASSOVER’S SHARED LAMB
They were to roast and eat the lamb together that night, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8-9), symbolizing the coming sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the bitter consequences of sin (Luke 13:3,5). He must be Lord, Master, Mediator, and Messiah. If you’ve not made Him Lord, it’s my duty to inform you, He is not your Savior.
When they walked out of Egypt, the lamb, now inside them, walked out with them (“Christ in you, the hope of glory,” Colossians 1:27).
Our Redemption Provided
Jeremiah the prophet looked backward to Passover, forward toward Calvary, and explained a new covenant was coming through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-33).
Unlike Passover, God’s law would be written in their hearts and minds. They will have intimate knowledge of God; their sin will be forgiven forever. Jeremiah foretells God has a lamb once again—a different Passover lamb. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he proclaimed,
Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
SALVATION’S SPOTLESS LAMB
“Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).
As Pilate examined Jesus, he admitted, “I find no fault in him.” Jesus asked His enemies, “Which of you convicts me of sin?” (John 8:46).
SALVATION’S SACRIFICIAL LAMB
“Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
The last Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples became the last of the old Passovers and the first of the new ones.
He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)
SALVATION’S SAVING LAMB
Likewise, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:20)
There’s no way to be saved apart from the blood of Jesus Christ.
SALVATION’S SHARED LAMB
When we come to the Lord’s Supper, we hail a conqueror. Keep the Passover—celebrate Jesus.
Since Jesus so loved me, I want to live for Him, obey, and love Him. It’s His blood on the doorposts of our hearts that makes us safe.
If you want a brand-new start, this can be the first day of the rest of your spiritual life. If you’ve put your faith in Him, then you can say, “Hallelujah, what a Savior,” and celebrate Passover.
If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ, let me lead you in a prayer. Jesus can become your Passover. Right now, the blood can be applied to your heart and God’s angel of judgment will never visit your house if you will receive Him. Pray like this.
Oh God, I thank You for the spotless lamb, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, that You died for me. Now, Lord Jesus, by faith I receive You. I apply the blood to my own heart. Forgive my sin, cleanse me. In Your name I pray, Amen.
