Exodus 12:24-27
Introduction
The Passover was established as an everlasting feast (Exodus 12:1-14). This is more significant when we consider the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it speaks. Whilst Christians fully understand that the Passover is a celebration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 2:23-24; 6:5-8; 13:3-14), few are able to see beyond the historical to the Messianic and spiritual setting of this feast. The lamb, the blood on the doorposts, and passing over of the angel of death (as well as other aspects of the feast) find their true fulfilment in Christ. To leave Him out of the picture is to totally misunderstand what Passover is all about.
The beginning of months (Exodus 12:2)
Nisan is the first month of the religious calendar. If we apply this spiritually we see it as the beginning of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-33; John 3:5-7; Romans 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). As Passover is the first feast the Jews must observe, so we know that one must come to Christ first to be saved, otherwise His blood cannot remove their sin.
The lamb was hidden for four days (Exodus 12:3,6)
The Jews had to choose a lamb on the 10th day and set it aside until the 14th day of Nisan. This meant that it was on display as the sacrificial lamb until the time of its death. Passers-by saw it as the chosen lamb. These four days were literally fulfilled by Jesus during the last week (Passover week) of His earthly life. As the Lamb of God (John 1:29) He entered into the Temple at Jerusalem and was on public display for four days (Matthew 21:1-23; 24:1-3; 26:1-5). Thus He presented Himself as the Chosen Lamb.
A perfect lamb (Exodus 12:5)
The lamb chosen by each household had to be absolutely perfect. This meant that it had to go through a rigorous investigation to see if there was any blemish, no matter how small, on it. 1 Peter 1:18-20 describes Jesus as the unblemished Lamb. He also went through a series of investigations to determine if He was at fault at any point during Passover week:
a) He was examined by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 21:12)
b) He was examined by Pilate (Matthew 27:1-26)
c) He was examined by Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
d) He was examined by the High Priest Annas (John 18:13, 24)
e) He was examined by the High Priest Caiaphas (John 18:13-14, 19-24, 28)
No one in the religious and political world found any just cause to put Him to death. He was absolutely innocent, and is our Perfect Saviour. No wonder only His blood can atone for sin.
A lamb of the first year (Exodus 11:4-7; 12:5)
They had to choose a new lamb rather than one that had been around the block a few times. This firstborn lamb of the flock was set aside unto God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16). He was also the firstborn of Mary (Matthew 1:21-25). Other New Testament scriptures refer to Him as the Firstborn (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Revelation 3:14).
It had to be a male lamb (Exodus 12:5)
God tolerated no female substitutes. It is not Mary (whom the Catholics exalt as a co-redeemer) but Jesus who is the Saviour. Why did it have to be a male? The Bible clearly teaches us that sin entered the world by one man [Adam] (Romans 5:12; 1 Timothy 2:12-14), and that it needed one Man [Jesus] to atone for sin (Romans 5:17-19). Therefore the male lamb is symbolic of the Son of God known as the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
A lamb for each house (Exodus 12:3-4)
The Passover applied to each individual household amongst the people of Israel. It is interesting that the Jews were allowed to be shepherds, as well as bricklayers, in Egypt (Genesis 46:34) because they were an abomination to the Egyptians. So they would have had enough lambs for the Passover. The Messiah was to be the sacrifice for individuals as well as the world. Scripture tells us that He is the Saviour for the individual (Luke 23:39-43), the Nation of Israel (John 11:49-52), and for the whole world (John 1:29). Other Old Testament scriptures point to Jesus as being the true sacrificial Lamb (Genesis 22:7; Isaiah 53).
The lamb was killed between the evenings (Exodus 12:6)
The Biblical day is from sundown to sundown (6pm to 6pm). The day is split up into two parts: The evening runs from 6pm to 6am, and the morning runs from 6am to 6pm. The evening part of this twenty-four hour period is between noon to 6pm, therefore 'between the evenings' is 3pm, exactly the time Jesus died on the cross. The 9th hour of the day in Matthew 27:45-50 is 3pm. God always works to perfect timing.
Passover continued next study.