How does Exodus 12:24 connect to Jesus as our Passover Lamb? Exodus 12:24 in Context “ ‘And you shall keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants.’ ” (Exodus 12:24) • Israel had to remember the Passover every year. • The word “permanent” signals a built-in forward look—God wanted every generation to grasp the rescue He accomplished through a spotless lamb. • That perpetual memory laid the groundwork for recognizing the greater, once-for-all Passover yet to come. A Perpetual Statute Pointing to a Perfect Lamb • Exodus 12 established four key features that echo in Jesus: 1. A spotless lamb (12:5) → Jesus lived without sin (1 Peter 2:22). 2. Blood applied (12:7) → His blood secures our redemption (Ephesians 1:7). 3. Deliverance from death (12:13) → We are saved from wrath through Him (Romans 5:9). 4. An ongoing memorial (12:14, 24) → Communion keeps proclaiming His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Jesus and the Timing of Passover • He entered Jerusalem on the very days lambs were selected (John 12:1, 12). • He was crucified when Passover lambs were being slaughtered (Mark 14:12; John 19:14). • Thus the “permanent statute” reached its ultimate fulfillment right on schedule. The Apostle Paul Makes the Connection Explicit “ ‘For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.’ ” (1 Corinthians 5:7) • Paul echoes Exodus 12:24’s idea of an enduring ordinance—Christ’s sacrifice now defines the ongoing life of the church. • The feast that once looked back to Egypt now points to the cross. Blood that Causes Judgment to Pass Over • In Egypt, the LORD said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). • At Calvary, God sees the blood of His Son and judgment passes over the believer (Romans 8:1). • Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” Living the Perpetual Command Today • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with fresh gratitude—every cup and loaf rehearses the gospel Exodus anticipated. • Teach the next generation (Exodus 12:26–27) how Jesus’ sacrifice sets us free from sin’s slavery. • Walk in holiness, “clean out the old leaven” (1 Corinthians 5:8), because those covered by the Lamb’s blood are called to live distinctly. In short, Exodus 12:24’s call to keep Passover forever is God’s built-in signpost directing every generation to Jesus, the true Passover Lamb whose blood secures a deliverance that never needs repeating. |
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