How does the Passover in 2 Kings 23:22 connect to Christ's sacrifice? Setting: Josiah’s Revival and the Passover 2 Kings 23:22: “No such Passover had been observed since the days of the judges who had judged Israel, nor throughout the days of the kings of Israel and kings of Judah.” • Judah had drifted into idolatry. • Josiah rediscovered the Book of the Law, tore down idols, and called the nation back to covenant faithfulness (2 Kings 22–23). • The climax of his reforms was a nationwide Passover—unmatched since the time of the judges. The Core Elements of Passover Exodus 12 lays out five main features: 1. A flawless lamb chosen (vv. 3–5). 2. The lamb’s blood applied to doorposts (v. 7). 3. Judgment “passing over” every house covered by that blood (v. 13). 4. Flesh roasted and eaten with unleavened bread (vv. 8–11). 5. An enduring memorial of redemption (vv. 14, 24–27). How Josiah’s Passover Foreshadows Christ • A Single Central Celebration – The feast moved from scattered family observances to a unified national gathering, picturing how redemption would culminate in one sacrifice for all people (John 11:51–52). • A Return to the Written Word – Josiah acted “according to what is written” (2 Chron 35:12), highlighting Scripture’s authority—fulfilled perfectly in the incarnate Word (John 1:14). • Pure Worship Restored – Idols destroyed first, then the Passover kept. Likewise, Christ cleanses the heart so true worship can follow (Hebrews 9:14). Christ as the Ultimate Passover Lamb • Identified by God – “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • Perfect and Unblemished – “A lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). • Blood Applied for Deliverance – “In Him we have redemption through His blood” (Ephesians 1:7). • Bones Unbroken – “Not one of His bones will be broken” (John 19:36), echoing Exodus 12:46. • Fulfilled at Passover – Jesus chose Passover week for His death (Luke 22:15–16), showing that the original feast pointed to Him. • Once-for-All Sacrifice – “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). From Josiah to Jesus—Key Parallels • Rediscovery vs. Revelation – Josiah rediscovered the Law; Christ fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). • National Covering vs. Global Redemption – Josiah’s lambs covered Israel; Christ’s blood covers “people from every tribe and tongue” (Revelation 5:9). • Temporary Feast vs. Eternal Covenant – Josiah’s Passover lasted seven days; the New Covenant secures everlasting forgiveness (Hebrews 10:14–18). Living in the Light of the Fulfilled Passover • Celebrate deliverance—regularly remember the cross as Israel recalled Egypt. • Remove the “old leaven” of sin (1 Corinthians 5:7–8). • Walk in holiness, just as Josiah cleared out idols before keeping the feast. |
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