Special thank-you to Jeff Parker for presenting the Passover Seder to us this past Sunday.
Before Sunday, were you familiar with the Passover? What did you know about it? What didn’t you know?
While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat.
The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects. “Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight.
Exodus 12:1-6 NLT
What’s the significance of the Lord’s giving the Israelites these calendar instructions concerning the Passover?
Describe the animals that were to be used for the Passover. What comparisons do you see between the descriptions of these animals and Christ in the New Testament?
Why do you think the Lord makes this a community event, not just an individual one? How might this inform our view of the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament?
They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal. That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. Do not eat any of the meat raw or boiled in water. The whole animal—including the head, legs, and internal organs—must be roasted over a fire. Do not leave any of it until the next morning. Burn whatever is not eaten before morning.
“These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover. On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.
“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.
Exodus 12:7-14 NLT
How does the spreading of the lamb’s blood compare with the application of the blood of Jesus in the New Testament?
What role does judgment play in the way we see this event?
How do the Lord’s instructions to dress for a long journey inform our view of the Christian life?
Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
1 Corinthians 5:7 NLT
How would you describe the importance of the bread being unleavened? What does that represent in the life of the Christian?
Using what you’ve learned about the Old Testament Passover, describe each of the elements in terms of Christ’s being sacrificed on our behalf.
How can we guard against any “leaven” being accepted and affecting our church or small group?
How can you use what you’ve learned today to share Christ with someone in your community?