How does Exodus 12:12 foreshadow Christ's redemptive work? The Night God Passed Through – Exodus 12:12 “On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn, both man and beast; and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.” Key Foreshadowing Elements Embedded in the Verse • Divine visitation: “I will pass through…” anticipates God coming in the flesh (John 1:14). • Universal judgment: “strike down every firstborn” points to the worldwide need for atonement (Romans 3:23). • Substitution implied: preservation of Israel’s firstborn through a lamb’s blood (v. 13) prefigures Christ, the ultimate Lamb (John 1:29). • Victory over false gods: “judgment against all the gods of Egypt” previews Christ disarming powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). • Covenant affirmation: “I am the LORD” foreshadows Jesus’ “I AM” declarations (John 8:58), revealing the same covenant-keeping God. The Blood That Shields from Judgment • In Egypt, safety came only by blood applied to the doorposts (Exodus 12:13). • At Calvary, safety comes only by Jesus’ blood applied to the heart (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19). • Both scenes feature a perfect, spotless victim whose death turns away wrath. Firstborn Themes Converging in Christ • Egypt’s firstborn die; Israel’s firstborn are spared. • Christ, “the Firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15) and “firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29), lays down His life so many can live. • The judgment of Egypt’s firstborn foretells the judgment He assumes for us (Isaiah 53:5). Judgment on False Gods – From Egypt to Golgotha • Plagues shattered Egypt’s deities; the cross shatters the reign of sin, death, and Satan (Hebrews 2:14). • Passover night ended with Egyptians releasing Israel; Resurrection morning ends with death releasing captives (2 Timothy 1:10). Passover and the Cross – Snapshot Parallels – Lamb selected (Exodus 12:3) " Christ presented on Palm Sunday (John 12:12-15) – Lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:5) " Christ sinless (1 Peter 2:22) – Blood applied (Exodus 12:7) " Blood poured out (Matthew 26:28) – Meal eaten in haste, staff in hand (Exodus 12:11) " Believers live as pilgrims awaiting final deliverance (Philippians 3:20) – Night of darkness (Exodus 12:12) " Noon darkness at the cross (Matthew 27:45) – Deliverance from slavery (Exodus 12:42) " Deliverance from sin (Romans 6:6-7) Living in the Fulfillment • Celebrate the Lamb: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Walk under the blood’s protection with confidence to enter the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:19-20). • Stand in victory over every rival “god,” knowing the cross has already pronounced judgment (Revelation 12:11). |
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