Jesus Our Passover Lamb

Exodus 12

Have you ever had a moment that changed everything? A diagnosis, a phone call, a birth, or a decision that reset the direction of your life? Exodus 12 captures such a moment—not for just one person, but for an entire nation. God was not only rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt, He was reorienting their identity. Everything would now revolve around this act of deliverance. And at the heart of it all? A lamb.

This ancient story isn't just history—it's a divine preview of a much greater rescue. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 5:7, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Here's the good news: Jesus is our true Passover Lamb who delivers us from sin and death.

1. A New Beginning

When God delivered Israel, He reset their calendar (Exodus 12:1–2). Life would now be measured by their salvation. That’s exactly what Jesus does for us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Following Jesus marks the beginning of a new story—a spiritual rebirth.

2. The Perfect Substitute

Each household was instructed to choose a spotless, unblemished lamb (vv. 3–6). It was a substitute—its life for theirs. The New Testament tells us Jesus is that Lamb, sinless and pure, sacrificed for us (1 Peter 1:18–19; John 1:29). He took our place, bearing our sin.

3. The Blood Must Be Applied

The lamb’s blood had to be painted on the doorposts. It wasn’t enough to simply believe it worked; they had to act in faith (v. 7). In the same way, the sacrifice of Jesus must be personally received. Salvation isn’t automatic—it’s by faith (Romans 3:25–26).

4. A Meal to Remember

God told His people to eat the lamb quickly, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (vv. 8–11). Why? Because they were leaving behind their old life. No looking back. Jesus tells His followers to be ready—to live like citizens of a new kingdom (Luke 12:35).

5. Judgment Is Coming

God promised to strike down the firstborn in Egypt (v. 12). It was a judgment not just on Pharaoh but on the false gods of the land. The New Testament echoes this truth: those who reject Christ remain under God’s wrath (John 3:36).

6. When I See the Blood

God didn’t say, “When I see your good deeds…” but “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (v. 13). The basis of salvation is not our performance, but substitution. Jesus’ blood covers us, shielding us from judgment (Hebrews 9:22).

7. A Lasting Memorial

God commanded that this event be remembered each year (vv. 14–20). We do something similar today when we take the Lord’s Supper. We’re not repeating the sacrifice—we’re remembering the Lamb who was slain (Luke 22:19).

8. Deliverance

The people obeyed. The blood was applied. Death passed over. And they walked free (vv. 21–30). That’s the power of Jesus' sacrifice. Romans 6:17–18 reminds us: we were once slaves to sin, but now we are free to live for righteousness.

So What About Us? If you haven’t yet trusted in Jesus, don’t wait. His blood still covers, still saves.

If you have, rejoice! You've been set free. Live like it. Don’t go back to Egypt. Keep remembering, retelling, and resting in the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” —Exodus 12:13

This blog post is based on a sermon preached by Wes McGarry to Gospel Community Church.