How does Exodus 13:8 connect to Jesus' role as our Passover Lamb? Setting the Scene: Exodus 13:8 “On that day you are to explain to your son, ‘This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’” Remembering the First Passover • God commanded Israel to retell the story so every generation would personally identify with the rescue (“what the LORD did for me”). • The annual meal looked back to a decisive act of salvation—blood on the doorposts sparing every house that trusted God’s word (Exodus 12:13). • Redemption, memory, and identity were forever linked around the table. Foreshadowing a Greater Deliverance • The lamb’s blood that shielded Israel prefigured a future sacrifice able to rescue from a deeper bondage—sin and death (Hebrews 10:1). • Just as Israel’s freedom began the moment the lamb died, so our freedom begins at the cross (Romans 6:6-7). • The command to “explain to your son” sets a gospel pattern: the story must be told and believed for each person to share in it (Romans 10:14). Jesus, the True Passover Lamb • “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) • John the Baptist pointed to Him: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • At the Last Supper—Passover night—Jesus redefined the meal around His own body and blood (Luke 22:15-20). • His death accomplishes what the first Passover only previewed: full forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) and deliverance from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). Connecting Exodus 13:8 to Christ • Personal testimony: “what the LORD did for me” mirrors every believer’s confession—Jesus died for me (Galatians 2:20). • Ongoing celebration: the early church “broke bread” regularly, proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Teaching the next generation: parents are called to center family discipleship on the finished work of Christ, just as Israel centered on the Exodus (Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Ephesians 6:4). Practical Takeaways • Make the gospel story personal—move from “the Lord saved people” to “the Lord saved me.” • Let communion stir fresh gratitude, remembering you are covered by the Lamb’s blood. • Tell the redemption story often—at your table, in your car, during bedtime—so others join the everlasting celebration. |
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