How does the Passover in Ezekiel 45:21 connect to Christ's sacrifice? The setting of Ezekiel 45:21 “On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to observe the Passover, a feast of seven days during which unleavened bread is to be eaten.” Why this renewed Passover matters • Ezekiel is describing worship in the future temple he saw in vision (chs. 40–48). • The same date and seven-day structure given to Moses (Exodus 12:1-20) reappear, showing that God has not abandoned the original pattern of redemption. • Passover in this context looks back to the Exodus and forward to a greater deliverance, anchoring Israel’s future worship to the same saving act God would complete at the cross. Key symbols that anticipate the cross • The fourteenth day – Jesus was crucified on the day the Passover lambs were slaughtered (John 19:14). • An unblemished victim – Exodus 12:5 required “an unblemished-year-old male”; Christ met the standard (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Blood applied for protection – “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13); His blood shields believers from judgment (Romans 5:9). • Unleavened bread seven days – leaven pictures sin; the weeklong removal speaks of the new, unleavened life secured by Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). • Memorial meal – Passover was eaten in fellowship; the Lord’s Supper continues that memorial until He returns (Luke 22:15-20). New Testament affirmation • “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) • John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” • Hebrews 9:22-26 – His once-for-all offering fulfills and surpasses the animal sacrifices. • Luke 22:15-16 – Jesus links His suffering to Passover and promises future celebration “in the kingdom of God,” matching Ezekiel’s millennial scene. Looking ahead • Ezekiel’s Passover will serve as a kingdom-age memorial, drawing worshipers to remember Calvary just as Israel remembered Egypt. • Animal offerings in that day will not compete with Christ’s work but commemorate it, much as communion bread and cup do now (1 Corinthians 11:26). Practical takeaways • God’s redemptive plan is unified from Exodus to Ezekiel to the Gospels. • Passover’s details highlight the perfection, substitution, and saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice. • Future worship centers on the same Lamb who was slain, giving believers confidence that Christ’s cross stands at the heart of all God’s dealings with humanity. |
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