Key Verse: Exodus 12:1-8, 12-14

The blood of the lamb on the top and 2 sides of the door frame is a picture of Jesus’ head and arms on the cross. During the first Passover, the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from God’s judgement and death. Today as New Testament believers we are also saved by a Lamb, Jesus (John 1:29). During the first Passover God gave instructions to the Israelites to escape God’s judgement and death.

3 instructions from the Passover that applies to us today:

1. Take a lamb for each household (v.3-5)

God wants household salvation. God wants the whole household to be saved not just one or two. The father is the head of the household and his actions can influence the whole family. The role of a father is to lead, guide, protect and provide for his household in the natural and spiritual. One day we all will have to give an account to God on how we looked after the wife, husband, and children that God gave us. Today there are many choices in the world. The father will have to make the decision (v.3) to select the right Lamb for the household, Jesus. The spiritual head of the family has a great influence on the children to select the right Lamb without blemishes (v.5). God’s desire is for the whole household and family to be saved from His judgement and spiritual death. Believe in Jesus Christ then you and your household will be saved.

2. Eat the Lamb (v.8)

During the first Passover on the 10th day of the month the Israelites chose a lamb without blemishes and on the 14th day the lamb was killed and roasted whole. The Israelites were instructed to then eat the lamb. Jesus entered into Jerusalem on the 10th day of the month, for four days He was examined by people and was killed on the 14th day. This is the fulfilment of prophecy.

In the New Testament Jesus is our Passover Lamb. We need to eat of Jesus meaning Jesus needs to be real to us. In the Old Testament the Israelites ate the flesh of the lamb, but were forbidden from drinking the blood because the life is in the blood (Genesis 9:4). Yet Jesus said the bread is His body and the cup is His blood (Luke 22:19-20). (John 6:53-57) Jesus is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. Unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus there is no life in you. Whoever eats and drinks of Jesus has eternal life, you abide in Him and He abides in you, spiritually you are one with Him. When Jesus is in you, you have His life that is why you cannot be sick. His health, His wisdom, His understanding and intelligence (the mind of Christ) is in you. That is why we say by His stripes we are healed.

3. Stay under the blood (Exodus 12:22)

The Israelites put the blood of the lamb on the top and both sides of the doorframe. They were commanded not to go out of the house until morning to escape God’s judgement and natural death. For us also we need to stay under the blood of Jesus to escape God’s judgement and eternal death. Sometimes people think that if I just say the sinner’s prayer I will escape God’s judgement and eternal death. But if you say the prayer and don’t mean it then it doesn’t mean anything. Staying under the blood is more than just saying the sinner’s prayer. You must continue to walk with Him (Colossians 1:23). Some people may get hurt in the church and don’t go to church anymore, but we always need to know that it is not Jesus that upsets us. The most important thing is to stay under the blood, stay under fellowship to encourage one another.

 

God’s plan for us is household salvation. As New Testament believers the instructions given to the Israelites also apply to us. We need to take a Lamb for the whole family and that Lamb is our Lord Jesus Christ. When we do this some family members may not come to the Lord straight away. However they are actually sanctified, they are also under the protection and covering (1 Corinthians 7). Each family member still needs to make an individual decision to follow Christ, but at least they are sanctified and under the protection of the Lamb for that season. We need to eat the Lamb because Jesus needs to be real to you. Whatever happens in the world or your life it doesn’t matter because Jesus is real. He is the beginning and end of your faith. Stay under the blood, don’t leave the blood, and stay under His protection.

At this hour in the world trust in the Lord. Always keep your eyes on Jesus. Continue to pray for household salvation. You can’t take your gold, house, car, possessions with you into heaven, you can only take people.

 

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If you would like to accept Jesus into your heart please pray the following prayer.
“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.”

If you have just prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, congratulations! We invite you to contact us as we would love to pray a blessing over your life and help guide you on your journey.

The next step. As a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

• Get baptised as commanded by Christ.
• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
• Find a local church where you can worship God.

God bless you.