Last week, Dave took us to Isaiah 53 for reflection and preparation for Easter. I’d like to recommend that you continue to meditate upon this passage as our observation of Resurrection Day approaches. As we continue to examine Old Testament images of Christ’s sacrifice, consider the events of Passover.
 
During the time in which the Israelites were held in slavery in Egypt, the ten plagues were about to reach their climax. The Egyptians would soon mourn the loss of their firstborn sons. The children of Israel would be safe from this judgement when they put the blood of a lamb on their door frames:
 

When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the door frame and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.
Exodus 12:23

 
The blood for the door frames was to be from a lamb that was without defect. This points forward to Jesus. The Passover lamb of the plagues is later fully realized in Jesus. He is our perfect Passover Lamb. Peter describes Jesus as “a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19).
 
John refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection took place during the week of Passover. Jesus perfectly fulfills the promise and hope of Passover.
 
Praise God that Jesus is our unblemished Passover Lamb. He is our substitute, dying in our place. Through Him, we have the forgiveness of our sins. May we remain ever grateful for His sacrifice, especially as Easter approaches.
 
Love in Christ,
Adam