Jesus as the Ultimate Passover Lamb: An Exposition on His Sacrifice and Atonement

Understanding the concept of the Passover Lamb and how Messiah Jesus embodies this prophecy is crucial for comprehending the depth of his sacrifice and atonement. The Passover lamb, a pivotal symbol in the Old Testament, served as a tangible representation of God’s salvation and deliverance from bondage. But how does Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb, fit into this narrative?

The Significance of the Passover Lamb

During the Exodus, the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb for Passover. The blood of this lamb, applied to the doorposts of their homes, was a sign to the Angel of Death, sparing the firstborn in their homes from the plague of the firstborn. This event not only marked the Israelites' deliverance but also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that would one day deliver humanity from the prison of sin.

Jesus: The Ultimate Passover Lamb

While the Jews may struggle to comprehend the Passover lamb symbolism in relation to Jesus, the significance is undeniable. Jesus, the Son of God, becomes the ultimate Passover lamb, offering himself as a sacrifice for the atonement of the sins of humanity.

1. Direct Access to the Throne Room

Before the arrival of the Messiah, the way to the Father's throne room was through the earthly priest and the sacrificial system. However, after Jesus’ crucifixion, the temple curtain was metaphorically torn, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers between God and humanity. This means believers now have direct access to the throne room through their faith in Jesus, who serves as a heavenly intercessor.

Direct Access Through Jesus

Through Jesus, believers can have forgiveness and atonement. This new access is not dependent on an earthly priest, as Jesus is the only intermediary. This change is evidenced by the imagery of the temple curtain being torn, symbolizing the breaking of barriers and the direct path to God.

2. Forgiveness Through Obedience to God's Word

Forgiveness is now available to those who keep God's Word (the Torah) in obedience. Jesus fulfilled the law by perfectly obeying it, rendering it obsolete in the sense that believers no longer need to rely on the sacrificial system for atonement. Instead, obedience to God's commandments is the way to receive forgiveness.

Keeping His Word and Forgiveness

Believers are called to uphold the Torah, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a way to live in righteousness and draw closer to God. The act of keeping His Word is a reflection of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, where he became the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for the world.

3. The Scapegoat and Red Heifer Symbolism

The crucifixion of Jesus goes beyond mere sacrifice. It involved him becoming the scapegoat and the red heifer, two important symbols in Old Testament rituals.

Scapegoat

During the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen. One was sacrificed, while the other, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically bearing the sins of the people. Jesus, while not sacrificed in the Temple like other lambs, became the true scapegoat, bearing the sins of humanity on the cross.

Red Heifer

The red heifer was a sacrifice whose ashes were used for purification. Jesus was killed outside the temple, where the red heifer was sacrificed, further emphasizing the fulfillment of the prophecies and symbolism.

The red heifer not only symbolized purification but also the fulfillment of the New Covenant. Jesus, being the ultimate red heifer sacrifice, prepared the way for believers to cleanse themselves and live in righteousness through faith in him.

Conclusion

Understanding Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb is crucial for grasping his sacrifice and atonement. Through his crucifixion, he became the scapegoat and the red heifer, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. As Christians, we must reject false teaching and embrace the truth about our Messiah, who offers us direct access to the throne room of God through his sacrifice and our obedience to his Word.

Key Points:

Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb Direct access to God through faith in Jesus Forgiveness through obedience to God's Word The symbolism of the scapegoat and red heifer

By embracing these truths, we can better understand the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the path to eternal life.