What connections exist between Exodus 12:21 and Jesus as the Lamb of God? Setting the Stage: Exodus 12:21 in Context “Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, ‘Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for your families, and slaughter the Passover lamb.’” (Exodus 12:21) • God is preparing Israel for the final plague. • The act involves choosing, killing, and applying the lamb’s blood for deliverance. • This literal historical moment establishes the Passover ordinance. Key Elements in Exodus 12:21 • Select a lamb — deliberate, purposeful choice. • For your families — substitution on behalf of others. • Slaughter the Passover lamb — death is required; blood is central to salvation. • Immediate obedience — “Go at once” underscores urgency. From Passover Lamb to Lamb of God: Direct Links • Divine Selection – Israel “selects” a lamb; the Father “sent His Son” (John 3:16). – Jesus is “chosen before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20). • Sinless and Unblemished – Passover lamb had to be without defect (Exodus 12:5). – Jesus is “a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). • Substitutionary Sacrifice – Lamb dies so firstborn may live (Exodus 12:23). – Jesus “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • Blood Applied, Wrath Averted – Blood on doorposts turns away the destroyer (Exodus 12:13). – “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). – Romans 5:9: “Having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” • Corporate Deliverance – Each household protected (Exodus 12:21). – Jesus “gave Himself for us to redeem us” (Titus 2:14). • Timing – Passover setting; Jesus is crucified at Passover (John 19:14). – “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Public Declaration – Israel’s households visibly bear the blood. – Believers publicly confess Christ and partake of Communion to proclaim His death (1 Corinthians 11:26). Prophetic Echoes Throughout Scripture • Isaiah 53:7 — “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” • John 1:29 — “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Revelation 5:12 — “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” These passages reaffirm that the Passover lamb foreshadows the Messiah’s redemptive work. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Salvation still requires personal application of the Lamb’s blood—trusting in Christ’s finished work. • Urgency remains; tomorrow is not promised, just as Israel had to act “at once.” • Household faith matters; pray and live so family members see and embrace the Lamb. • Remember and celebrate: Communion and Easter anchor us in the same rescue story God began in Exodus 12:21. |
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