“The Blood That Delivers”
Text: Exodus 12:17–23
Introduction:
In Exodus 12:17–23, we find the heart of the first Passover—God’s detailed instructions to His people for their protection and deliverance from the final plague: the death of the firstborn. It is here that the theme of blood takes center stage, not as a minor ritual detail, but as the very means by which life is spared and judgment is passed over. This isn’t just a moment in history—it’s a shadow of the cross.
The Blood of the Lamb: A Sign of Life (Exodus 12:21–23)
God commanded the Israelites to take the blood of a lamb and paint it on the doorposts and lintels of their homes. Why blood? Because blood, in Scripture, always represents life. The blood of the lamb became a sign—not just to the Israelites, but to God—that this house was under protection. Verse 23 says, “When He sees the blood... the Lord will pass over the door.”
This was no ordinary lamb. It had to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5). God demanded a perfect substitute. Not just any animal could stand in the place of the firstborn. It had to be spotless, pure, whole—because it represented something greater.
The Festival of Unleavened Bread: Separation from Sin (Exodus 12:17–20)
Along with the blood, God instituted the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days, the people were not to eat anything with leaven in it. Why? In Scripture, leaven often represents sin, pride, and corruption—a small thing that spreads quickly and alters everything it touches (Galatians 5:9).
Removing leaven from their homes symbolized removing sin from their lives. It was a sign of starting over—being consecrated, purified, made new. Just as the blood protected them from death, the unleavened bread reminded them to walk in newness of life.
Jesus: Our Perfect Passover Lamb
Everything in this passage points forward to Jesus Christ. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:7, “For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”
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Jesus was without sin, the true spotless Lamb.
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His blood was shed not just to spare us from physical death, but to save us from eternal judgment.
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When God sees the blood of Christ applied to our lives, He passes over—we are covered, forgiven, redeemed.
Just as the Israelites had to act in faith—obeying God’s instruction, applying the blood, removing the leaven—so must we trust in Jesus, applying His sacrifice to our hearts and turning from sin.
Jesus Died for Us
Exodus 12:17–23 is more than a historical account. It is a divine preview of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. The blood saves. The leaven is cast out. The Lamb must be perfect. All of it points to the cross, where Jesus became our substitute and bought our freedom.
So today, ask yourself:
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Have you applied the blood of the Lamb to the doorposts of your heart?
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Are you living a life cleansed of leaven—turned from sin, walking in newness?
As we remember the first Passover, may we more deeply rejoice in our greater Passover—Jesus Christ, who gave His life that we might live. Amen.
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