The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

HEZEKIAH AND THE PASSOVER

King Hezekiah arranged for the people to celebrate the Passover because they had not always observed it as they should. Not only did he arrange for the southern tribes to eat the meal, but he also brought a degree of unity by arranging for the northern tribes to be involved if they desired. The Passover celebrated how God had saved the people of Israel while they were slaves in Egypt (Ex 11:1 — 12:42). God defeated the Egyptians and rescued his people from slavery. The Hebrews were saved from the plague because they killed a lamb and smeared its blood on the doorposts of their houses. The lamb substituted for the firstborn of the house. When the Lord saw the blood on the doorpost he passed over it.

This meal pointed forward to the full and final salvation of God’s people through Jesus — the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). He is the Passover Lamb for all God’s people (1Co 5:7). He died in humanity’s place so that eternal death will pass by.

Jesus, thank you for the Passover. Thank you for the tradition that pointed to you. And thank you for being the final Passover lamb, who saved me from certain death. Amen.