Day 44: The Passover Pattern: Following the Example of the Lamb

    

April 2

by Lance Hassan

Readings:

Exod 12:1-14

John 13:1-15

Reflection:

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Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ is a verse that may prompt consideration for those who desire God’s mercy and to be spared from His judgment:

“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.”

The passover ritual slaughter of a lamb, and “Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.” Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God’s judgment applies to everyone, and I pray He will have mercy upon us who worship Him and His wrath will pass over us.  Does this mean Christians should also celebrate Passover?

In John 13:1, Jesus is prepared to serve as our Passover lamb with His Sacrifice on the cross:

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

I find it interesting that Jesus, who gave us a new covenant with God, celebrated Passover with his disciples in observance of the lasting ordinance in Exodus 12:14.  Although the new covenant is based on baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and our commitment to a personal relationship with God, Jesus still celebrated Passover.  One reason I find this compelling is Jesus’ clear example for his disciples provided in John‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Jesus’ example here is to humble ourselves and serve one another with love.  However, this is not the only example Jesus provided on the Passover evening; Jesus’ observance of Passover with His disciples is also noteworthy.  I certainly pray to be like Jesus; however, I am more like the Israelites who struggled with God.  Therefore, I pray for God’s mercy when He judges us and for His wrath to pass over us all the days of our lives.

Song:

The Passover Song, Carolyn Cobb

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