The Lamb and the Exodus

Exodus 12 is the center of Israel's story. God reorders their calendar so their year begins with redemption. Every detail of the Passover teaches. The lamb must be without blemish and is slain in place of the firstborn. Its blood marks the house as under God's protection. Unleavened bread recalls the haste of departure and later becomes a picture of putting away sin (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Bitter herbs recall the bitterness of slavery.

The judgment on Egypt's firstborn is a sobering part of the story, and Scripture does not hide its sorrow: there was a great cry in Egypt. It was the climax of God's judgment on Egypt's gods (12:12) and on generations of oppression. Yet God provided a way of escape for anyone who trusted His word. The mixed multitude that left with Israel suggests some non-Israelites believed and joined them, and God's law made a way for foreigners to join in the Passover through the covenant sign (12:48).

Christians have read this as a picture of Jesus. He died at Passover (John 19:14), no bone of His was broken (John 19:36; Exodus 12:46), and Paul calls Christ our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). In the New Testament, at the Last Supper, a Passover meal, Jesus said the cup was the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20). As Israel was redeemed from slavery in Egypt, believers are redeemed from slavery to sin.