Word: Exodus 12:1-14
Title: Ten Plagues (9) -The Way to Salvation- 1994. 11. 6
This is the fourth message concerning the Passover. In the first message, we looked at the introduction. In the second, we examined circumcision. In the previous message, we considered the relationship between circumcision, the Passover, and the Lord’s Supper. In today’s passage, the Israelites are preparing to leave Egypt after being delivered from slavery. Through the Passover, God showed them the way of deliverance.
Exodus 12:3–6 says that each household was to take a lamb. The lamb had to be a one-year-old male without defect. They were to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month and then slaughter it at twilight. After the Passover instructions, Exodus 12:15 speaks about the Feast of Unleavened Bread: “For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast.” The Israelites were commanded to remove leaven from their homes and eat unleavened bread for seven days. Spiritually, this reminds us that those who have been delivered by God should no longer return to their former sinful ways. Jesus taught us to enter through the narrow gate and walk the narrow road that leads to life. We must therefore remain spiritually awake and walk in the light until the Lord returns.
The lamb of the Passover points us to Jesus Christ. A lamb is gentle and obedient. In the same way, Jesus obeyed the Father’s will even to the point of death. Though He possessed all authority, He willingly suffered and gave His life for us. Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” The lamb also had to be without defect. This points to Jesus Christ, who was without sin and offered Himself for us.
The Israelites were commanded to put the blood of the lamb on the sides and tops of the doorframes. Exodus 12:13 says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” The blood marked the houses of those who trusted and obeyed God’s command. Likewise, Jesus Christ is the way of salvation. Jesus said that He is the gate, and whoever enters through Him will be saved. Through Him we receive salvation and eternal life.
The Israelites were also commanded to eat the lamb. John 6:53 says, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” We must receive Jesus Christ by faith and receive His Word into our hearts. It is not enough simply to hear God’s Word or know it intellectually. We must believe it and live by it.
The lamb was eaten together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They reminded the Israelites of the suffering from which God had delivered them and of the seriousness of their departure from Egypt. In the same way, we should approach God’s Word with humility. Sometimes the Word comforts us, but at other times it exposes what is wrong within us. A proud heart may resist the Word when it does not agree with one’s own thoughts, but a humble heart receives correction and allows the Word to bring transformation.
God also commanded in Exodus 12:9, “Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs.” The important point is that the Israelites were commanded to eat the whole lamb. Spiritually, we should not choose only the parts of God’s Word that suit us. For example, Matthew 5:39 says, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” We cannot accept only the promises of blessing while rejecting teachings about forgiveness, obedience, holiness, sacrifice, and love. We must receive the whole Word of God.
The lamb was to be roasted over fire. We also need the help of the Holy Spirit when receiving God’s Word. The Word should not remain merely as knowledge in our minds. Through the Holy Spirit, we should understand it, receive it into our hearts, and put it into practice. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Therefore, we should read and hear God’s Word prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth.
The Israelites were also told not to leave any of the lamb until morning. This teaches us the importance of diligently receiving God’s Word while we have the opportunity. We should not continually postpone repentance, obedience, or spiritual growth. We should remain awake and prepared.
Exodus 12:11 says, “This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.” The Israelites had to be ready to leave Egypt immediately. They were no longer to live as slaves in Egypt. God was leading them out toward the land He had promised. Ephesians 6:14–15 gives us a similar picture: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Ephesians 6:16 tells us to take up the shield of faith. Just as a shield protects a soldier, faith is essential in our spiritual life. We are called to hear God’s Word with faith, practice it, and share the gospel with others.
We should also come before God in worship with a sincere and attentive heart. Worship is not simply being physically present in church. Jesus taught that true worshipers worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Therefore, we should not treat worship carelessly. We should listen to the Word, pray, praise God, and worship Him with our whole heart.
Finally, God said in Exodus 12:12–14 that He would pass through Egypt and strike the firstborn, but when He saw the blood, He would pass over that house. This is the central message of the Passover. The Israelites escaped judgment because of the blood of the lamb. In the same way, salvation is given to us through Jesus Christ. We must come to Jesus Christ by faith, receive His Word, and follow Him. The Passover was not simply about leaving Egypt physically. It marked the beginning of a new life under God’s covenant and guidance. Likewise, salvation is not simply saying that we believe in Jesus. Those who have been saved are called to leave their former sinful ways and follow Christ in a new life.
Circumcision was also connected with participation in the Passover. In the New Testament, Scripture speaks of the circumcision of the heart. Romans 2:29 says, “Circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit.” Therefore, as we receive the Word of truth, we should continually put away sin and the desires of the flesh and grow in holiness. We should examine ourselves to see whether we are truly walking on the way of salvation and living according to the Word God has given us.