Faith and Obedience: The True Meaning of Passover
Summary
The story of the Passover in Exodus 12 is not just a historical account, but a profound foreshadowing of the work of Jesus Christ. God’s instructions to the Israelites—to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark their doorways with its blood—were not arbitrary rituals, but signposts pointing to a greater reality. The blood on the doorposts was a sign of faith and obedience, distinguishing God’s people and shielding them from judgment. This act of deliverance was not only about escaping physical death in Egypt, but about God’s ongoing desire to create a people for Himself, a family who would know Him, walk with Him, and be set apart for His purposes.
Throughout Scripture, God’s longing is clear: “They will be my people, and I will be their God.” This refrain echoes from Genesis through the prophets, into the New Testament, and even to the final chapters of Revelation. God’s mission has always been to draw people close, not because of their achievements or status, but because of His love and grace. He chooses ordinary, flawed people—those who are willing to listen, obey, and trust Him.
The Passover event teaches that God warns His people, gives them clear instructions, and then calls them to act in faith. The Israelites were not spared because they were better than the Egyptians, but because they responded to God’s word with humble obedience. The blood of the lamb was not just a symbol; it was a substitute, a life given so that others might live. In the same way, Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood was shed to deliver us from the judgment our sins deserve.
The call remains the same today: to take God seriously, to heed His warnings, to trust in the sacrifice He has provided, and to act in faith. Salvation is not about our own efforts or inventing our own way to God, but about trusting in the finished work of Christ. Just as the Israelites had to apply the blood to their doorposts, we are invited to trust in the blood of Jesus, believing that His sacrifice is sufficient for our forgiveness and our place in God’s eternal family.
Key Takeaways
- God’s desire is to create a people for Himself, not based on human merit or achievement, but on His promise and grace. From Genesis to Revelation, His mission is to draw ordinary people into a relationship where He is their God and they are His people. This is not a fleeting offer, but the central theme of all Scripture, showing God’s unwavering commitment to us. [05:25]
- The Passover account reveals that God’s warnings are acts of mercy, giving us the opportunity to respond before judgment comes. He does not delight in destruction, but in providing a way of escape for those who will listen and obey. Taking God seriously means humbling ourselves, recognizing our need, and responding to His voice with urgency and trust. [14:37]
- Obedience to God’s instructions is not about ritualism, but about trust and surrender. The Israelites were given specific, sometimes puzzling commands, but their willingness to follow them was an expression of faith. In our own lives, God’s instructions may challenge our preferences or logic, but true faith is shown in doing what He says, not what seems best to us. [22:03]
- The blood of the lamb was not just a sign, but a substitute—a life given in place of another. This points directly to Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is the only sufficient payment for our sin. We are not saved by our own goodness, but by applying the blood of Christ to our lives through faith, acknowledging our need and His provision. [28:48]
- Faith is not passive; it requires action. Knowing the truth, hearing the warnings, and understanding the instructions are not enough—there must be a personal response. Just as the Israelites had to physically apply the blood and be ready to move, we must actively trust in Jesus, receiving His sacrifice and living in readiness for His promises to be fulfilled. [24:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - The Passover Instructions
[02:10] - God’s Judgment and the Meaning of Passover
[03:53] - The Significance of Being “Passed Over”
[05:25] - God’s Desire for a People
[06:54] - The Problem of Sin and God’s Promise
[09:02] - God’s Invitation to Ordinary People
[12:07] - God’s Warning and the Coming Judgment
[14:37] - The Call to Take God Seriously
[15:36] - The Example of the Anderson Shelters
[17:22] - God’s Pattern of Separation and Protection
[19:21] - God’s Instructions for Deliverance
[20:45] - The Significance of the Blood on the Door
[22:03] - The Necessity of Obedience
[24:03] - Acting in Faith
[25:12] - Readiness and Remembrance
[26:36] - The Importance of Applying What We Know
[28:48] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of Passover
[32:18] - How We Respond Today
[33:58] - Trusting in the Blood of Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Passover and the Lamb of God
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### Bible Reading
- Exodus 12:1-13 (The Passover instructions and God’s deliverance)
- John 1:29 (“Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”)
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 (“…you were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give the Israelites regarding the lamb and the blood in Exodus 12?
2. According to the sermon, what was the purpose of putting the blood on the doorposts? [[20:45]]
3. In John 1:29, what title does John the Baptist give to Jesus, and why is this significant in light of the Passover story?
4. How does Peter describe the way believers are redeemed in 1 Peter 1:18-19?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did God require the Israelites to use a spotless lamb and mark their doorways with its blood, instead of just giving them a general warning? What does this reveal about God’s character and His way of saving people? [[20:45]]
2. The sermon says the blood was not just a sign, but a substitute—a life given so that others might live. How does this idea help us understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross? [[28:48]]
3. The Israelites were not spared because they were better than the Egyptians, but because they responded to God’s word with humble obedience. What does this teach about the basis of salvation? [[22:03]]
4. The refrain “They will be my people, and I will be their God” is repeated throughout the Bible. Why is this relationship so central to God’s plan? [[05:25]]
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### Application Questions
1. The Israelites had to act on God’s instructions, even when they may not have fully understood them. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to trust and obey, even if it doesn’t make complete sense? What would it look like to take a step of faith this week? [[22:03]]
2. The sermon emphasized that God’s warnings are acts of mercy, giving us a chance to respond before judgment comes. Can you think of a time when you ignored a warning—spiritual or otherwise? What happened, and what did you learn from it? [[14:37]]
3. The Israelites had to physically apply the blood to their doorposts. In your own spiritual journey, what does it mean for you to “apply the blood of Jesus” to your life? How do you personally trust in His sacrifice? [[24:03]]
4. God’s desire is to create a people for Himself, not based on merit but on His grace. Are there ways you sometimes try to earn God’s acceptance, rather than simply receiving His grace? How can you remind yourself of the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice? [[09:02]]
5. The sermon mentioned that faith is not passive; it requires action. What is one practical way you can live out your faith more actively this week—in your family, work, or community? [[24:03]]
6. The Passover was a time of readiness and remembrance. What are some ways you can cultivate a heart of readiness for God’s leading and regularly remember what He has done for you? [[25:12]]
7. The invitation to be part of God’s family is open to ordinary, flawed people. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear this message of grace? How might you share it with them this week? [[09:02]]
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Devotional
Day 1: God’s Deliverance Through the Passover Lamb
The story of the first Passover in Exodus 12 reveals God’s plan to deliver His people from judgment through the sacrifice of a spotless lamb. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of the lamb, signifying that a life had been given in place of the firstborn. This act of obedience was not just a ritual, but a profound demonstration of trust in God’s promise to save. The blood was a sign that set them apart, and when God saw it, He passed over their homes, sparing them from destruction. This foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings salvation to all who trust in Him. [02:10]
Exodus 12:1-13 (ESV)
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to trust God’s provision for deliverance, even when His instructions seem unusual or challenging?
Day 2: God’s Desire for Relationship—“They Will Be My People, and I Will Be Their God”
Throughout Scripture, God’s heart is to draw people into a close, covenant relationship with Himself. From His promise to Abraham in Genesis, through the prophets, and into the New Testament, God repeats His desire: “They will be my people, and I will be their God.” This is not based on human achievement or status, but on God’s gracious invitation to ordinary, imperfect people. He seeks those who will respond to His call, not because of their greatness, but because of His love and faithfulness. This relationship is the foundation of all His promises and the ultimate goal of redemption. [06:54]
Jeremiah 24:7 (ESV)
I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.
Reflection: How does knowing that God desires a personal relationship with you—regardless of your past or status—change the way you approach Him today?
Day 3: Heeding God’s Warnings and Taking Him Seriously
God’s warnings are acts of mercy, giving His people the opportunity to prepare and respond before judgment comes. In the Passover account, God did not simply announce disaster; He gave clear warnings and specific instructions so that His people could be spared. The difference between those who experienced deliverance and those who faced judgment was not their background, but whether they took God’s word seriously and acted in humble obedience. God is still looking for people who will listen, trust, and respond to His voice, rather than relying on their own wisdom or strength. [14:37]
Ezekiel 11:20 (ESV)
That they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Reflection: Is there a warning or prompting from God that you have been ignoring? What step can you take today to respond in obedience?
Day 4: Acting in Faith—Obedience Beyond Understanding
It is not enough to simply hear God’s instructions or believe in theory; true faith is demonstrated by action. The Israelites had to apply the blood to their doorposts and eat the Passover meal as God commanded, even if they did not fully understand why. Their obedience was an act of faith that brought protection and deliverance. In the same way, God calls His people to act on His word, trusting that His ways are higher and His instructions are for our good. Faith is not passive; it moves us to do what God says, even when it seems simple or counterintuitive. [25:12]
James 2:17 (ESV)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Reflection: What is one area where you need to move from belief to action in your walk with God today?
Day 5: Jesus—The Fulfillment of the Passover and Our Only Hope
The Passover lamb was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His sacrifice on the cross accomplished what the blood of animals never could—full and final forgiveness for all who trust in Him. The invitation is not to perform religious rituals, but to trust in the finished work of Jesus, believing that His blood covers our sin and brings us into God’s family. This is the heart of the gospel: not what we do, but what Christ has done for us. The call is simple—trust in Jesus, and you will be saved. [28:48]
John 1:29 (ESV)
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Reflection: Have you personally trusted in Jesus as your Passover Lamb? If so, how can you live today in the freedom and assurance that His sacrifice brings? If not, what is holding you back from taking that step?
Quotes
And this is the message that he says to us. And this is a message that repeats over and over in the Bible. It's, they will be my people and I will be their God. Let me say that one more time. They will be my people and I will be their God. It started back in Genesis chapter 17 and verse eight. We read the whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner. I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you, and I will be their God. [00:05:55] (30 seconds)
They can't help doing the things they're not supposed to do. But at various times through scripture, God keeps reminding them of that promise. In Jeremiah 24 and verse 7, I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. The Lord knows the sin that's in our heart. He knows the tendency we have to wander off. And so he says, I'm going to have to do the work for you and it will start with me touching your heart. And when I do that, you'll have that ability to be able to respond to me. [00:07:14] (34 seconds)
But the great news for us is that message carries on to the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 and verse 16, this is what Paul writes to the Corinthians. As God has said, I will live with them and walk among them and I will be their God and they will be my people. Do you notice that thousands of years go past and still God hasn't moved from that overriding mission statement, I want to be your God. I want you to be my people. Because only then will you receive the fullest blessings of everything that you were created for and enter into the perfect relationship for which you were designed. [00:08:16] (39 seconds)
I'm just a regular person and I'm so glad that the invitation of God for me to become part of his kingdom was not limited. He didn't say, you're not good enough. You haven't achieved enough. You haven't done what I want you to do. The invitation is open to everybody, ordinary people, people who've messed up, people who've done all kinds of things they shouldn't have done. The invitation is still open to every one of those. [00:10:49] (27 seconds)
Now Jesus spoke about his sheep in the Gospel of John and he said, my sheep hear my voice. They recognize who I am and when I speak, they immediately have something in built in them that responds to what I say. They have ears to hear when God predicts that something is going to happen and here's the thing, they take God seriously. [00:11:38] (23 seconds)
Many occasions where God says, I'm not taking the judgment away, I'm not taking the plague away, the disaster will come upon everyone, but here's the thing, I'm going to give you the means by which you can cope, by which you can survive, and by which you can withstand even while it's happening all around you. [00:19:21] (22 seconds)
Now, we might be saying to ourselves, well, surely the Israelites weren't guilty of the sins of Egypt, the idolatry, the oppression, the faith in false gods. But that did not mean they were without sin. Never think that we, just because we're not like other people, are without sin. And becoming part of God's people always acknowledges the fact that we have to come before him and to say, this is who I am, this is what I've done, I humble myself before you, I have not done which was right. We put our hand on our chest and say, God have mercy on me, a sinner. [00:22:17] (35 seconds)
He claimed about himself that the Passover lamb had now come full circle and become him. Peter explains in his letter how Jesus is the fulfilment. He says in 1 Peter 1 and verse 18, For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ. A lamb, get this, without blemish or defect. Remember that's how the lamb had to be that they sacrificed in the days of the Passover. Jesus is the fulfilment of all of that. [00:31:35] (38 seconds)
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