How does the Passover meal in Exodus 12:8 foreshadow the Lord's Supper? Opening Verse “They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.” – Exodus 12:8 The Table We’re Looking At Exodus 12:8 describes three elements—roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs—served on the first Passover night. Centuries later, Jesus lifted bread and a cup at the Last Supper and instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28). Here’s how each item in Exodus 12:8 anticipates that moment. Roasted Lamb: Substitution and Salvation • Roasted, not boiled—exposed to direct flame, picturing judgment absorbed (Isaiah 53:4-6). • Its blood sheltered the Israelites from death (Exodus 12:13). • Fulfilled in Christ: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • At the Lord’s Table the cup represents “My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Unleavened Bread: Sinless Body Offered • Bread made quickly, free from yeast—symbol of corruption (Exodus 12:15; Matthew 16:6). • Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35) and lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15). • During the Supper He broke the bread and said, “Take and eat; this is My body” (Matthew 26:26). • Believers now “keep the feast… with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8). Bitter Herbs: Suffering Remembered, Repentance Required • Brought to mind the harsh bondage of Egypt. • Point ahead to the bitter sufferings Messiah would bear (Psalm 22:1-18; Luke 22:44). • When we partake of the Supper we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26), recalling both His agony and our deliverance. Fire and Haste: Urgency of Redemption • Roasting over fire and eating in haste (Exodus 12:11) highlight decisive rescue. • Jesus likewise said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering” (Luke 22:15), then hurried to the cross that very night. • The Supper keeps our hearts alert: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Single Night, Lasting Memorial • Israel was told, “This day is to be a memorial for you” (Exodus 12:14). • Jesus commands, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). • Both meals look back to deliverance and ahead to promised presence—first to Canaan, now to Christ’s return. Why the Foreshadow Matters Today • Shows Scripture’s unified storyline—Old covenant shadows, New covenant substance. • Anchors our faith in historical acts of God. • Calls us to purity, gratitude, and hopeful expectation every time we approach the Lord’s Table. The Passover meal of Exodus 12:8 is more than ancient ritual; it is a vivid preview of the Lord’s Supper, pointing to the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and invites us to continual fellowship with Him. |
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