The Passover Lamb holds a central place in the narrative of the Exodus and is a significant typological symbol in Christian theology. It is first introduced in the book of Exodus as part of the instructions given to the Israelites for their deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

Biblical Origin

The Passover Lamb is detailed in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron regarding the institution of the Passover. Each household is instructed to select a lamb without blemish, a male a year old, on the tenth day of the first month. The lamb is to be kept until the fourteenth day, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to slaughter it at twilight (Exodus 12:3-6).

The blood of the lamb is to be applied to the doorposts and lintel of each house where the lamb is eaten. This blood serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the house, sparing the firstborn from the plague of death that strikes Egypt (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). The flesh of the lamb is to be roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, and none of it is to remain until morning (Exodus 12:8-10).

Symbolism and Typology

In Christian theology, the Passover Lamb is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The lamb's attributes—being without blemish and its sacrificial death—are seen as prefiguring Christ's sinless life and atoning sacrifice. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects Christ to the Passover Lamb, stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

The application of the lamb's blood on the doorposts is symbolic of the believer's redemption through the blood of Christ, which provides protection from judgment and death. This typology is further reinforced in the New Testament, where the sacrificial death of Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice, offering deliverance from the bondage of sin.

Ritual Observance

The Passover, or Pesach, is one of the most important Jewish festivals, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the sparing of the Israelite firstborn. The ritual observance includes the Seder meal, which features elements such as unleavened bread and bitter herbs, echoing the original Passover meal.

In the Christian tradition, the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is understood as a Passover meal. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, as a new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:19-20). This connection underscores the continuity between the Passover Lamb and the sacrificial work of Christ.

Theological Implications

The Passover Lamb serves as a profound symbol of deliverance and redemption. It highlights themes of sacrifice, substitution, and salvation that are central to both Jewish and Christian theology. The narrative of the Passover Lamb invites believers to reflect on God's provision and faithfulness, as well as the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who delivers from the bondage of sin and death.