The Passover and Easter
See how elements of the Passover can point us to Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice and our covenants with God.
The Passover commemorates the Lord’s delivering the people of Israel from the final destroying plague in Egypt. Through Moses, the Lord told them to perform specific acts so that the destroying angel would pass over them and spare their firstborn. The Lord then delivered them from bondage and sent them to the promised land. (See Exodus 12.)
The various elements of the Passover represent Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for our sins, as well as our covenants with God.
Lamb
A year-old male lamb without blemish.
It was killed and then roasted with fire, whole—no bones broken and the head, legs, and edible inner parts attached. It was to be eaten during the Passover night, nothing remaining in the morning. If anything did remain, it was to be burned.
Possible meaning: Jesus Christ as sinless sacrifice for sins; the sweetness of coming unto Him contrasted with the bitterness of sin; Christ’s total devotion to His mission; the devotion required of those who have made covenants with God.
Blood on Lintel and Posts
Hyssop (an herb later used in ritual purifications) was dipped in the bowl of blood from the lamb, and then the blood was placed on the lintel and posts of the door.
Possible meaning: A sign identifying God’s covenant people; purification through Jesus Christ’s blood, which was shed to atone for our sins.
Unleavened Bread
Bread made without yeast or other leaven, most likely from emmer wheat, barley, or sorghum in ancient Egypt. Leaven makes bread softer but also more susceptible to decay. Also, leavened dough needs time to rise, so it takes longer to make.
It was eaten for seven days. Leaven (which was associated with corruption) was to be removed from each home during this time (see Exodus 12:19).
Possible meaning: Purity; haste of flight from captivity; Christ as the Bread of Life (see 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Bitter Herbs
Included watercress, radishes, endive, horseradish, and possibly other herbs with a bitter taste.
They were eaten along with the lamb.
Possible meaning: Bitterness of slavery and captivity in Egypt; bitterness of slavery to sin; bitterness of Christ’s suffering for our sins.
Loins Girt, Feet Shod, Staff in Hand, Standing While Eating
Possible meaning: Readiness for hasty flight from captivity; desire for freedom from sin.