Spotless Lamb

A spotless lamb. At the exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt, each house had to pick one.

Perhaps you know this story, and if not, it is well worth reading Exodus 12 all the way through.

This perfect lamb was in a family for a few days and then had to be slaughtered. This must have been impressive for the families. Killing such an innocent and sweet lamb. You can see the questioning and sad faces of the children before you.

With the blood of the lamb, the doorposts of the house had to be smeared. It all sounds a bit creepy, a bit sinister. And yet this blood on the doorposts was the sign for the Angel of the Lord to pass by that house. Because of this blood, the plague, and the judgment on Pharaoh and his people for rebelling against God, would not come into that house. You encounter here the principle of 'hiding behind the blood'.

In Hebrews 9, you read that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. Hence all those sacrifices.

In the text from Isaiah, you also read about a lamb. A lamb being led to the slaughter. Do you realize that this is about Jesus? He is the great, spotless Lamb who would be slaughtered. All the sacrifices in the Old Testament ultimately point to this perfect sacrifice.

From Exodus, where you read about the institution of the Passover, to the hours before Jesus dies on the cross and He gives a whole new meaning to this customary Passover meal (Luke 22), everything works towards and shows you something of the greatness of the work Jesus, the perfect Lamb, accomplished.

Take the following questions to think about:

• Jesus is the Lamb of God. This is how John speaks of Jesus when he introduces Him to his disciples. What does that mean for you?
• Is Jesus the Lamb who paid the price for you, too?
• Why has the Passover taken on a new meaning?

Prayer:

"Lord, You are the Lamb of God. You are the One about whom John says 'Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world'. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You wanted to do that, and that by faith I can come to You and take refuge behind Your blood. I want to thank You for that from the bottom of my heart. Amen."