How does the Passover in 2 Kings 23:21 connect to Christ's sacrifice? The Immediate Setting: Josiah’s Call to Celebrate 2 Kings 23:21: “Then the king commanded all the people, ‘Celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.’” • King Josiah had rediscovered the “Book of the Covenant” (v. 2) and responded with sweeping reforms, bringing Judah back to the written Word. • The Passover had been neglected for generations; Josiah’s revival put the spotlight on God’s original redemption narrative (Exodus 12). Passover Restored: Key Elements Highlighted • A spotless lamb was slain (Exodus 12:5). • Blood was applied for protection from judgment (Exodus 12:7, 13). • The meal was eaten in haste, signifying readiness for deliverance (Exodus 12:11). • Passover marked a new beginning—“this month is to be the first month of your year” (Exodus 12:2). Josiah’s generation reenacted each element, signaling a return to the foundational truth that God rescues through substitutionary sacrifice. Foreshadowing the Lamb of God • John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Isaiah 53:7 points to a silent, willing sacrificial lamb—language mirrored in Christ’s passion. • In Josiah’s day, the Passover lamb died in place of the firstborn; at Calvary, Christ died in place of all who believe (Romans 5:8). Christ, Our Passover • 1 Corinthians 5:7: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • Luke 22:15-20: Jesus chooses the Passover meal to institute the New Covenant in His blood, directly tying His death to the Exodus pattern. • Hebrews 9:12, 22: His own blood secures eternal redemption, fulfilling what repeated animal sacrifices could only anticipate. • Just as the Passover marked a new calendar for Israel, Christ’s death inaugurates new life for every believer (2 Corinthians 5:17). Connecting Josiah’s Passover to Calvary • Re-opening Scripture: Josiah’s revival began with hearing the written Word; faith in Christ comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). • Renewed covenant obedience: Josiah’s people pledged themselves to the covenant; Jesus establishes a better covenant, written on our hearts (Hebrews 8:6-10). • National deliverance vs. eternal deliverance: Passover freed Israel from Pharaoh; Christ frees humanity from sin and death (Romans 6:22-23). Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Celebrate Christ’s finished work with reverence and joy, just as Josiah led Judah to celebrate the Passover. • Let Scripture reform personal and corporate worship—revival starts with returning to the Book. • Rest in the once-for-all sacrifice: no further offering for sin is needed (Hebrews 10:14). • Live as redeemed people—ready to move at God’s command, leaving “Egypt” behind (Colossians 1:13-14). |
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