Passover: A Journey of Judgment and Mercy
Summary
In exploring the profound themes of divine judgment and mercy, we delve into the narrative of the Passover, a pivotal moment in Old Testament history. The Passover is not merely a story of liberation but a dramatic interplay of God's wrath and grace. This duality is encapsulated in the term "krisis," a Greek word for judgment, which signifies a decisive moment that alters the course of history. The Passover represents such a crisis, where God's judgment upon Egypt is simultaneously an act of mercy for the Israelites. This event is a microcosm of the broader biblical narrative, where God's redemptive acts are often intertwined with His righteous judgment.
The Passover's significance is underscored by its lasting impact on Jewish tradition and its foreshadowing of New Testament redemption. The instructions given to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 12 highlight the meticulous preparation required to escape divine wrath. The unblemished lamb, whose blood marked the doorposts, symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood spares believers from eternal judgment. This connection between the Old and New Testaments is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's redemptive plan.
The Passover is not just a historical event but a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. It is a call to remember and celebrate God's mighty acts, much like the Lord's Supper instituted by Jesus. This ritual serves as a tangible reminder of Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to never forget the cost of their redemption. The unleavened bread and bitter herbs used in the Passover meal symbolize the purity and the bittersweet nature of redemption, reflecting both the joy of salvation and the gravity of judgment.
In essence, the Passover narrative challenges us to recognize the seriousness of divine judgment and the depth of God's mercy. It calls us to live in readiness, with our spiritual loins girded, prepared to move swiftly in obedience to God's call. This readiness is not just for a historical exodus but for the ultimate redemption that Christ offers, a redemption that demands our remembrance and our response.
Key Takeaways:
1. Divine Judgment and Mercy: The Passover illustrates the dual nature of God's judgment and mercy. While God's wrath was poured out on Egypt, His mercy spared the Israelites, highlighting the complexity of divine justice. This duality is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding us that God's judgment is always accompanied by His grace. [01:48]
2. The Significance of the Lamb: The unblemished lamb in the Passover prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice covers believers from judgment. This connection underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the necessity of Christ's atonement for our salvation. [09:54]
3. The Importance of Remembrance: The annual celebration of the Passover serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. Similarly, the Lord's Supper is a call to remember Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to never forget the cost of their redemption and to live in gratitude and obedience. [19:45]
4. Readiness for Redemption: The instructions to gird up loins and be ready to move swiftly during the Passover symbolize the need for spiritual readiness. Believers are called to live in anticipation of God's redemptive acts, prepared to respond in faith and obedience at a moment's notice. [23:24]
5. The Bittersweet Nature of Redemption: The use of unleavened bread and bitter herbs in the Passover meal reflects the bittersweet nature of redemption. While salvation brings joy and freedom, it also involves the sobering reality of judgment and the cost of Christ's sacrifice. [22:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Understanding Divine Judgment
- [01:16] - The Crisis of the Passover
- [02:29] - The Contest of Sovereigns
- [03:05] - The Final Plague Announced
- [04:11] - The Dreadful Announcement
- [05:26] - The Passover Tradition
- [06:02] - Redemption from Judgment
- [07:28] - Instructions for the Passover Lamb
- [08:41] - The Significance of the Lamb
- [09:54] - The Blood of the Lamb
- [11:31] - The Angel of Death Passes Over
- [12:47] - The Day of Judgment
- [14:27] - Vengeance and Divine Justice
- [16:22] - The Ritual of Remembrance
- [19:08] - The Ultimate Passover
- [21:02] - The Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
- [22:19] - The Bittersweet Redemption
- [23:24] - Readiness for Redemption
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Passover - Divine Judgment and Mercy
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 12:1-14
2. John 1:29
3. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did God give to Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover lamb in Exodus 12? How were these instructions meant to protect the Israelites from divine judgment? [07:28]
2. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of God's judgment and mercy as seen in the Passover event? [01:16]
3. What is the significance of the blood of the lamb being placed on the doorposts during the Passover, and how does this relate to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice? [11:31]
4. According to the sermon, why is the Passover considered a "crisis" moment in Old Testament history? [01:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "krisis" or crisis, as explained in the sermon, help us understand the significance of the Passover in the broader biblical narrative? [00:30]
2. In what ways does the Passover foreshadow the ultimate redemption through Christ, as discussed in the sermon? How does this connection enhance our understanding of the continuity of God's redemptive plan? [09:54]
3. The sermon mentions the use of unleavened bread and bitter herbs in the Passover meal. What do these elements symbolize, and how do they reflect the nature of redemption? [22:19]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of remembrance in both the Passover and the Lord's Supper? Why is it crucial for believers to continually remember God's acts of deliverance? [19:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced both judgment and mercy in your life. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's character? [01:48]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual readiness, symbolized by girding up loins during the Passover. What steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared to respond to God's call in your life? [23:24]
3. How can the symbolism of the unblemished lamb in the Passover inspire you to live a life of purity and dedication to God? What practical changes can you make to align more closely with this ideal? [09:54]
4. The Passover meal includes both unleavened bread and bitter herbs, symbolizing the bittersweet nature of redemption. How can you embrace both the joy and the challenges of your faith journey? [22:19]
5. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of remembrance into your daily life to keep God's acts of deliverance at the forefront of your mind? Consider specific rituals or habits you can adopt. [19:45]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of living in anticipation of God's redemptive acts. How can you cultivate a mindset of expectancy and hope in your spiritual walk? [23:24]
7. How does understanding the connection between the Passover and the Lord's Supper deepen your appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ? How can this understanding influence your participation in communion? [19:08]
Devotional
Day 1: The Duality of Divine Justice
The Passover story is a profound illustration of the dual nature of God's justice, where His wrath and mercy coexist. In the narrative, God's judgment is executed upon Egypt, resulting in the liberation of the Israelites. This duality is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding us that God's judgment is always accompanied by His grace. The term "krisis," a Greek word for judgment, signifies a decisive moment that alters the course of history, as seen in the Passover. This event serves as a microcosm of the broader biblical narrative, where God's redemptive acts are intertwined with His righteous judgment. Understanding this duality helps us appreciate the complexity of divine justice and the depth of God's mercy. [01:48]
"For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you." (Exodus 12:23, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see both God's judgment and mercy at work, and how can you respond to this duality with gratitude and obedience today?
Day 2: The Lamb as a Symbol of Redemption
The unblemished lamb in the Passover prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice covers believers from judgment. This connection underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the necessity of Christ's atonement for our salvation. The blood of the lamb marked the doorposts, sparing the Israelites from the angel of death, just as Christ's sacrifice spares believers from eternal judgment. This symbolism highlights the importance of recognizing Christ's role in our redemption and the profound love that underlies His sacrifice. [09:54]
"And 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." (Exodus 12:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does the symbolism of the lamb in the Passover deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice, and how can you live in a way that honors this gift today?
Day 3: The Power of Remembrance
The annual celebration of the Passover serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. Similarly, the Lord's Supper is a call to remember Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to never forget the cost of their redemption and to live in gratitude and obedience. This ritual serves as a tangible reminder of Christ's sacrifice, encouraging believers to reflect on the significance of their salvation. The act of remembrance is not just about recalling past events but about allowing those events to shape our present and future actions. [19:45]
"And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’ And the people bowed their heads and worshiped." (Exodus 12:26-27, ESV)
Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily life to ensure you remember and honor Christ's sacrifice regularly?
Day 4: Living in Readiness for Redemption
The instructions to gird up loins and be ready to move swiftly during the Passover symbolize the need for spiritual readiness. Believers are called to live in anticipation of God's redemptive acts, prepared to respond in faith and obedience at a moment's notice. This readiness is not just for a historical exodus but for the ultimate redemption that Christ offers. It challenges us to live with our spiritual loins girded, ready to act in accordance with God's will and to embrace the opportunities for redemption that He presents. [23:24]
"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." (Exodus 12:11, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure you are spiritually ready to respond to God's call and embrace His redemptive work in your life?
Day 5: The Bittersweet Nature of Redemption
The use of unleavened bread and bitter herbs in the Passover meal reflects the bittersweet nature of redemption. While salvation brings joy and freedom, it also involves the sobering reality of judgment and the cost of Christ's sacrifice. This duality reminds us that redemption is not without its challenges and sacrifices, but it ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. The bittersweet elements of the Passover meal serve as a reminder of the gravity of judgment and the joy of salvation, encouraging believers to live in a way that honors both aspects of their faith. [22:19]
"You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread." (Exodus 12:20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace both the joy and the challenges of your redemption in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to live out this balance?
Quotes
One of the problems that people struggle with with the Scripture is that it seems that so much of the content of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, has to do with the manifestation and revelation of God’s wrath and of His judgment. When we hear the record of His mercy and of His redeeming love we embrace that joyfully, but sometimes we shrink in skepticism and disbelief at the record of divine judgment. [00:00:06]
Well one of the great crisis moments of Old Testament history was the crisis of the Passover because in the Passover we see this mirror and this drama not only of redemption, but also of judgment, and that’s what makes it a crisis. They’re two sides to divine judgment. There is the side of mercy, and there is the side of wrath. [00:01:06]
Now the Passover is announced in the eleventh chapter of the book of Exodus where we read these words: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt.’” Now remember this contest had been going on between the two great sovereigns of that period – the one who was the man who was most sovereign in all the world, the pharaoh of Egypt and the ultimately sovereign one, the God of heaven and earth. [00:02:19]
Now again, the celebration today is the celebration of this marvelous work of liberation, this marvelous work of redemption and sometimes we overlook that the redemption that was accomplished for Israel in the Passover was a redemption from the judgment of God. Now that’s important to understand because the whole biblical history of redemption, the whole drama of salvation is a salvation by God and a salvation from God. [00:06:02]
Now let me just pause here for a moment as we look at the institution of the first Passover. What is going on here is that God is giving detailed instructions to His people to go through a process by which they will escape the visitation of His wrath upon the Egyptian nation. And this is so significant in their own history that in a sense He changes their whole calendar so that from now on this month where the exodus takes place will be marked as the first month of the year. [00:07:51]
Now this already calls attention to what takes place in the New Testament. I’ve said already, several times, that we can’t really understand the New Testament and the drama of redemption that unfolds there unless we understand the backdrop and background of all of these things in the Old Testament. Once we understand what takes place in the Passover, for example, and later on in the celebration of Yom Kipper, the Day of Atonement for the Jewish people, then we will understand what’s going on when John the Baptist comes by the Jordan River. [00:08:55]
Now part of the reason why we struggle with this concept of judgment is that we don’t really believe that God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world. And yet if there’s any motif that is woven through both Testaments, it is that the God who began this creation is going to bring human history to a terminal point, to a point of supreme krisis, or crisis where He’s going to call all human beings before Him and render His judgment. [00:12:54]
It’s important to note that when this event takes place, though the exodus itself is a once-for-all event, it’s never repeated again in Old Testament history; only once does God deliver His people from this particular kind of bondage and forms them into a nation. Yes indeed there are other redemptive actions that take place, the return from captivity and so on, but as far as this paramount work of redemption in the Old Testament, surely the most important work of redemption in the Old Testament, it occurs once for all. [00:15:02]
However, though the event cannot be repeated, there is to be a ritual that does repeat the rites that are followed on the night of the Passover. And so God says to the Jewish people, “From now on every year at this same time, for all generations, forever and ever, I want you to sit down with your children and celebrate this event. We’re not going to repeat it every year in the sense of sending the angel of death to homes throughout the world, but I want you to remember and never forget what I have done for you.” [00:15:49]
Now in that regard, the Passover is not simply a remote event that took place four thousand years ago in Egypt, but itself foreshadows and prepares the world for the coming of the ultimate exodus, which is accomplished by Christ. Now there’re some details here that I want to look at before we finish. Notice that God requires that the bread that is eaten in the Passover be unleavened bread. [00:20:10]
The reason for this is that in the Old Testament leaven, or yeast, which causes the bread to rise and so on, is a symbol for corruption, and so the bread that is to be used in this moment of celebration is to be a bread that is holy, a bread that is consecrated and set apart, again symbolizing that God has set apart His own people and has consecrated them as He spares them from His wrath in the Passover event. [00:20:46]
And then finally, those who celebrate the Passover are commanded to wear a belt. And what’s the significance of that? So often we hear in the Scripture this admonition, as God gave to Job, “Gird up your loins like a man and then I will answer you.” And then in the New Testament we’re told to gird up our minds for the truth and so on. [00:23:07]
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