Passover begins this week. Because the Passover marked a new beginning for Israel, the month in which it occurred (March—April in our calendar) became “the first month” of a new year for the nation of Israel. Ex 11:4-6  What was Pharaoh’s response Ex. 11:9-10  When God himself delivered the final judgment on the Egyptians, the firstborn son of every family would die How Did God Spare Israel? Ex. 12:3-6  1. A Spotless Lamb Must Be Chosen The Passover lamb and its blood point to Jesus Christ and the blood he shed as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world John 1:29 ESV 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Jesus is described as the Lamb (a lamb was used in OT sacrifices—particularly the Passover—to make atonement, or “covering,” for sin) provided by God himself to pay the death penalty that all humanity deserved for rebellion against God. Jesus took the place of punishment for our sin, so we can be set free from the bondage of our sin Ex. 12:21-23  2. The Blood Saved Them The Israelites had the passover to mark a new beginning, and through this, Jewish believers would immediately think of the passover and Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb.  When the Lord went throughout the land executing his judgment on the Egyptians, he would pass over those homes that had the blood on them. That is where the term Passover comes from (Heb pesah, meaning “to jump past,” “to pass over” or “to spare 1 Peter 1:19 ESV 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. God’s Word conveys that Christ’s sacrificial death secures the believer’s redemption. “What can wash away my sin… nothing but the blood of Jesus” We should be thankful that the blood that was shed cleansed us from where we fall short daily. Ex. 12:26-28  3. The Lamb Died In Their Place Passover is about getting saved. It reminds us that we have been delivered from death by a perfect substitute whose blood was shed as a sacrifice for our sins.  The feast of Unleavened bread reminds us what God wants us to do once we’ve been saved, and that is to live a sanctified life, becoming more and more free of sin. Romans 5:8 ESV 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Have you ever done a group project and done nothing, and gotten a 100. That is what is going on here, but it is with your eternity. The death of Christ means that we will not have to face death! What are our transformational moments? Are you glad that God took your place? Are you thankful for the blood? Are you making the most of His sacrifice?