LAMB SLAIN FOR REDEMPTION
TEXT: Exo. 12:1-5I; Rom. 3:22-24; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:18,'|9.
MEMORY VERSE: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us - 1 Corinthians 5:7
CENTRAL TRUTH: Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
INTRODUCTION
From the very beginning of creation, humanity has needed a redeemer. God promised Adam and Eve He would send a redeemer in the form of the seed of woman (Gen 3. 5). The New Testament boldly proclaims that Christ is the Redeemer. But the Old Testament also presents other pictures describing this Redeemer.
The account of Israel's deliverance from Egypt and their celebration of the Passover is an Old Testament picture Christ as our Passover Lamb. Through the shedding of His blood Christ purchased our redemption. Just as the blood of the Passover Lamb saved the Israelite from God’s judgement on the firstborn of Egypt, Christ's blood saves us from God's judgment on sin.
This lesson examines God's plan of redemption demonstrated in the celebration of the first Passover. it also focuses on how this plan of redemption is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb. through Him every person can be set free from the bondage of sin.
I. SPOTLESS SACRIFICE - Exodus 12:1-6; 1 pet. 1-18,19
The nation of Israel has ending its 400 year stay in Egypt, most of it under severe bondage to the Egyptians. God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. but Pharaoh refused to let them leave. Even after God had sent nine plagues that devastated the land, Pharaoh still refused to release God's people. But God was about to send another plague that would cause Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to leave. God would pass through the land and kill all the first born of humans and animals throughout Egypt.
For Israel's protection. God instructed Moses and Aaron to have the people make certain preparations. The meal they would eat and the preparations they would make for their protection is called the Passover. God intended this observance to be a lasting memorial for Israel. Because of the Passover’s Significance, the month in which it was celebrated Abib was designated the first month of Israel's new year signifying a new beginning (Exo 12: 1 2). This month was later called Nisan and occurs during the months of March- April
God was not just concerned with individuals knowing Him, He wanted the whole Israelite community to understand His great power. Each person and family within the community would strengthen the others as they joined together in this celebration. The members would remind each other of God's greatness and their dependence on Him.
in 1 Peter 1:16, Peter reminded believers that they were not redeemed with things that are of this world and wall perish: silver and gold. These things cannot save us from our "vain conversation.“
“Vain conversion" refers to the traditions we have received from our fore-fathers. These can be religious observances or even an ungodly lifestyle that has become a part of our family tradition. But what was once considered important, in light of the gospel, is “vain“ (KJV) or “empty" (NlV).
An empty lifestyle has no spiritual life; it is a life without God. All those without Christ are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). Humanity’s sin problem is not physical but moral and spiritual in nature. Because of this, more earthly things cannot provide our salvation, not even the most costly or precious. Only someone who can set us tree from the bondage of our sinful past can provide salvation. Only the Lamb of God. Jesus Christ, can redeem us with His “precious blood” (1 Pet. 1:19).
2. CHRIST THE PASSOVER LAMB -Exo 12:7 13; 1 Cor. 5:7.
The sacrificial Lamb of the Passover were substitutes for the life of firstborn males. God was going to smite the firstborn of the Egyptians. This plague would also be a judgment on Egypt's gods. But when God passed through the land killing the firstborn sons, He would pass over the houses where the blood had been applied to the door frames (vs. 12, 13). The blood of the Passover lamb provided redemption for the firstborn males.
God‘s judgment of the Egyptians and their false gods demonstrated that God was greater than any god they worshiped. Pharaoh, his religious leaders, and the gods represented by these animals were completely powerless as to prevent God‘s judgment (vs. 12). This judgment was significant because Pharaoh was worshiped as god and many animals were considered sacred to the Egyptians. Their firstborn all fell before the mighty hand of God. God passed over the homes where blood was smeared on the door frames, protecting the firstborn in those homes from death (vs. 13). The power of the blood of the Passover Lamb is evident in the redemption of the firstborn of the Israelites. God confirmed His justice and power as He defeated the power of Egypt’s gods. He also demonstrated His love to those who trusted Him and obeyed His commands.
First Corinthians 5:7 clearly connects the Passover Lamb with Christ. “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." In the surrounding passages, Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth concerning immorality in their church (1 Cor. 5:1-5). Paul commanded the church to remove this sin (sinner) from the church like Israel removed yeast from their homes when they celebrated Passover Exo. 12:15; 1 Cor.5:7.
3. REDEMPTION FOR ALL Exodus 12:43-51,‘ Romans 3: 22-24
The Passover was. not to be taken lightly and eaten by just anyone. Only those who had been circumcised could partake of the Passover feast (Exo. 12:43-45). This included the foreigners who were living in the land, and servants from other nations. Those from other nations who were temporarily living among the Israelites were forbidden to eat the Passover. Circumcision was the sign of God‘s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17: 1 3,14). Israelite males were required to be circumcised to show they were part of the Israelite community. Non-Israelite males desiring to become Israelites in belief and practice were required to be circumcised to demonstrate their allegiance to God.
In verse 47, God again reminded His people that the entire community of Israel was to celebrate the Passover. God’s goodness is also demonstrated in His allowing non-Israelites to enter the religious community of faith in Israel (Vs.-48,49) All Israel obeyed God at the first Passover, and they were delivered just as God had planned (vs. 50, 51).
The word justification is a legal term that describes our relationship to God through Jesus Christ.
Before Christ, we were sinners and deserved God's judgment. But when we accept Christ as our saviour, we become partakers of His righteousness. God declares us righteous before Him. Our justification is based not on what we have done but on the redemption provide through Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION.
1 . Why was the Passover celebration a community event?
2. To what does the phrase “Vain Conversation” in 1 Peter 1:18 refer?
3. Why can silver and gold not redeem us from our past sinful lifestyle?
4. Why did God instruct the Israelites to smear the blood of the Lamb on the door frames of their homes?
5. How would God’s judgment affect Egypt's devotion to their false gods?
6. Why was circumcision necessary to eat the Passover?
7. What does it mean to be justified?
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