THE PASSOVER
FIRST PASSOVER EXODUS 12
One lamb per one family (complete local expression in each church)
Approximately 250M – 300 M lambs roasted over an open fire
Egypt could “smell” the Passover
Roasted not boiled
Perfect lamb
Watched for 3 days to be sure there was no defect
Took hyssop and “painted” the blood over doorpost and sides
Ate the lamb with bitter herbs
Remembering the bitterness of their slavery
Ate hastily – prepared to leave
Anyone who believed the Word of the Lord could be saved through the Passover lamb.
Many Egyptians also believed – Ex. 12:38
Mixed multitude (KJV)
- Many others went with them (NIV)
Not only did the Passover spare them from the “destroyer”, but it also brought healing
Psalm says as they left there was not “one feeble” among them
God released Israel through the sacrifice of Egypt’s Firstborn
Required the consecration of all firstborn showing that all belong to God
The History of the Firstborn is the history of all
PASSOVER BY JESUS’ TIME
Passover meal
Required an acceptable lamb – temple lambs approved by Levites, etc.
(Birth of Jesus announced to shepherds watching the temple flock)
Jesus’ anger in Temple
Bitter herbs
Bag with 3 compartments each with a loaf of unleavened bread
Took center loaf and broke it – Trinity
At the head of the table would be set an extra place for “He who is coming”
It was the Messiah’s (Elijah’s) chair
- When He comes He will sit in it and administrate the New Covenant
Imagine the reverberation at Jordan when John the Baptist announced “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
Early Passover day you would go to the temple and you “picked” out a lamb.
At 12:00 noon, the fires on the altar would be lit in preparation of the lamb roasting
At 3:00 the lambs were killed and placed on the altar to be roasted
Last Supper Passover
Took the bag with 3 loaves
Broke the center one – “this is my body”
After the meal He reached over to “the Messiah’s” cup and said this is my blood – the blood of the new covenant.
Instituted New Covenant Meal
Do in “remembrance” of me
- Not a vague recollection, but confrontation in my life
Jesus as the Passover Lamb
Early Passover day – Jesus was before High Priest – final examination
At 12:00 noon He was on the cross
Darkness covered the earth (last plague)
The fire of God’s wrath burned in Him against sin
Cried I thirst was given “wine vinegar” (bitter herbs) on hyssop (blood painted on the doorpost at first Passover with hyssop)
At 3:00 cried “It is finished”
All that Passover stood for was accomplished
In the death of God’s firstborn all of the human race was freed from the bondage of Egypt
Came to break His legs, He was already dead
No broken bones
ISRAEL AT SINAI (19:3 – 40:38)
ISRAEL AT SINAI (19:3 – 40:38)
Establishing the Covenant (19:3 – 24:18)
The purpose of God was to enter into covenant with them (19:3-6). This was establishing of Israel as a nation.
As we read through the Old Testament, we see how this was referred to as the marriage ceremony between God and Israel. (Marriage covenant later broken).
The people accept this (19:17-25).
He gives laws applying the demands of the covenant (20:1-23:19).
God gives a summary of His future dealings with Israel in covenant (23:20-33).
The covenant is sealed with blood (24:1-8).
The Tabernacle and Priesthood Instituted (25:1-31:18)
Every article of furniture in the tabernacle as well as the garments of the high priest, speak of some aspect of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is too vast a subject to enter into as this time.
The Covenant Broken and Renewed (32:1-34:35).
Construction and Erection of the Tabernacle (35:1-40:38).
DID YOU FIND YOURSELF IN EXODUS?
God has taken you out of this world system, placing you in Christ, making you part of His people. The Holy Spirit comes to show you the wonders of Christ, your meeting place with God, who is the Lord Jesus Christ pictured here in the tabernacle. You have been taken into the Holy of Holies to live your life in Him. Affirm this as you read these chapters. Live as if it is so because that is the way it is.
The New Covenant says that God is our God and we are His people. The One who is uniquely ours reveals Himself in this book as the “I AM.” Think of it! The “I AM” is my shepherd, I shall not want. Of course not! David could not want and neither can you.