Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 16:16–17

Introduction

A. Under the Law of Moses, there were three feasts each year for which every man was expected to travel to the place of God’s name.

B. Although we no longer commemorate the Passover today, we do commemorate the suffering of Christ, our Passover lamb.

Discussion

I. First let us look at the institution of the Passover itself.

A. The Passover was instituted on the eve of the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12; Numbers 33:3).

B. God gave detailed instructions regarding how the feast was to be observed (Exodus 12:11–22).

C. The Passover was to be observed by Israel throughout their generations (Exodus 12:24–27; Numbers 9:1–5; Deuteronomy 16:5–7).

II. Christ is now our Passover lamb.

A. The paschal lamb was to be a male of the first year (Exodus 12:5; cf. Luke 1:31).

B. Also like Jesus, the lamb was to be “without blemish” (Exodus 12:5; cf. Hebrews 9:13–14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Hebrews 7:26).

C. Our Passover lamb was slain even “from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8; cf. Genesis 3:15; Acts 2:23).

III. How are we to observe the Passover today?

A. We must observe it without leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6–8).

B. We must be ready to go at all times (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

C. We must observe the feast in the place that God has designated (Deuteronomy 16:5–6; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:20; Acts 20:7; Acts 11:26).

Conclusion

If those who failed to correctly observe the Passover in Moses’ days were “cut off” (Exodus 12:19), what will be the end of those who disregard the instructions for the Passover instituted by God’s own Son (Hebrews 10:29)?