This time of year, many celebrate Easter. In the Christian faith, this is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead—from His death on the cross. Why did God send His Son into the world and then give Him up to die?
The Jewish celebration of Passover reveals for us a reason.
Old Testament history tells the story of Passover, when due to Pharaoh’s hardened heart toward the people of Israel and his refusal to free them from slavery as God commanded, a death plague was sentenced on all first-born children.
Your lamb shall be without blemish… kill it in the evening…take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door posts of the houses… At midnight that evening, the angel of death passed through the land. Every house that did not have the blood on the doorpost suffered the judgment of God—the death of their firstborn. However, the destructive plague did not touch those who followed God’s plan and were under the blood. The result of this plague was the deliverance of the nation of Israel from bondage. They were free to leave and to worship God.
An annual Passover feast to remember what God did on that great day of deliverance was established. Easter is the rest of the story.
Jesus became our Passover lamb and was crucified on the cross for us during the Passover celebration. He became our sacrifice. God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin. Christ’s death canceled out the debt we owed so that we could be made right with God. Passover literally means to “pass over.” Death passed over the doorposts covered with blood. Death passes over the lives of those who are covered by the blood of Christ because He took our punishment.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave…
Jesus bled for you and for me. As we approach the Passover and Easter celebrations, consider the significance of the forgiveness God offers through Jesus, the free gift of salvation. May Easter bring with it your next right step toward God and new life.
Blessings,
(Exodus 12, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 2:15, 1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:3 paraphrased)