What parallels exist between Exodus 12:29 and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

Setting the Scene: Exodus 12:29

• “At midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt…” (Exodus 12:29).

• The climactic plague releases Israel from bondage, anchoring the Passover story that foreshadows Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7).

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The Firstborn Theme

• God’s judgment falls on Egypt’s firstborn; redemption for Israel costs life.

• Jesus is called “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15), “the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29).

• Whereas Egyptian firstborns die unwillingly, the Father’s own Firstborn offers Himself willingly (John 10:18).

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Substitutionary Blood

• Israel’s houses marked by lamb’s blood are spared (Exodus 12:7, 13).

• “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

• In both events, judgment passes over wherever God sees the blood.

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Midnight and the Cross

• Judgment strikes at midnight—complete darkness, helpless humanity.

• Darkness covers the land at Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:45).

• Both scenes underscore God’s sovereign timing and absolute authority.

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Universal Scope

• From Pharaoh to prisoner, no rank escapes judgment (Exodus 12:29).

• At the cross, “there is no difference, for all have sinned” (Romans 3:22-23); Christ’s sacrifice extends to every rank and race (1 John 2:2).

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Deliverance from Bondage

• Egypt’s chains break that very night (Exodus 12:31-33).

• Through Christ, believers are “delivered from the domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13).

• Exodus freedom is temporal; Calvary freedom is eternal (Hebrews 9:12).

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The Cost of Redemption

• Exodus: countless firstborn lives.

• Gospel: the singular, spotless Son (1 Peter 1:18-19).

• Both highlight that salvation is never cheap; it demands blood.

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Continuing the Remembrance

• Israel annually keeps Passover (Exodus 12:14).

• The church continually breaks bread and drinks the cup “in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).

• Each commemoration looks back to judgment averted and forward to ultimate deliverance (Revelation 5:9-10).