A PERFECT LAMB

Subtitle: From the Passover Doorpost to the Cross Main Scripture: Exodus 12:3–7, 12–13 Supporting Scripture: John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:18–19 The Israelites needed a lamb without blemish to escape judgment in Egypt. Humanity needed a Savior without sin to escape the judgment of sin. Jesus became that perfect Lamb—sacrificed once for all so that everyone who places faith in Him can be forgiven, cleansed, and made secure. In Egypt, an ordinary lamb would not do. God required a lamb without blemish. The lamb had to be selected, sacrificed, and its blood applied to the doorposts. Centuries later, God provided another Lamb—not from humanity’s flock, but from heaven’s heart. John the Baptist looked at Jesus and declared: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” —John 1:29 The lamb in Egypt protected one household for one night. But Jesus, our perfect Lamb, offers eternal salvation to the whole world. We secure our homes with locks. We secure our money in banks. We secure important information with passwords. But locks can be broken, money can be lost, and passwords can be stolen. The question is: What has secured your soul? In Egypt, God’s people were not secured by their strength, their goodness, or even their family history. They were secured by the blood placed on their doors. Today, we are not saved by the blood of an ordinary lamb. We are saved by Jesus Christ—the perfect Lamb of God. Historical Background: The First Passover The Israelites had lived in Egypt for generations and had become enslaved under Pharaoh. God heard their cries and sent Moses to demand, “Let my people go.” Pharaoh repeatedly refused. God sent plagues upon Egypt, yet Pharaoh continued to harden his heart. The final plague would bring death to every firstborn son in Egypt. But before judgment came, God gave the Israelites a way of deliverance. God’s instructions in Exodus 12 Each household was to select a lamb. The lamb had to be a male without blemish. The lamb was to be sacrificed. Its blood was to be placed on the two side posts and above the doorway. The family was to remain inside the blood-marked house. They were to eat the meal dressed and ready to leave Egypt. When the Lord saw the blood, judgment would pass over that household. Exodus 12:13 declares: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” The blood did not mean that the people inside were perfect. It meant that they believed God’s warning, accepted God’s provision, and obeyed God’s instructions. Point 1: The Lamb Had to Be Without Blemish God did not tell them to choose a sick, injured, or unwanted animal. The lamb had to be without defect. This pointed forward to Jesus Christ. John the Baptist saw Jesus and declared: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” —John 1:29 Jesus was without sin. He was not dying for His own wrongdoing—He was dying for ours. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. He lived the life we could not live. He paid the debt we could not pay. He took the punishment our sins deserved.