What did Jesus do after Judas left to find the religious leaders? Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that this was the last time they would celebrate the Passover. Why? Passover was a time to remember that long ago God saved them from Egyptian slavery. Something new and greater was about to happen. Instead of a lamb taking the punishment that God requires, Jesus was going to take the punishment and shed his blood for our forgiveness (1 Cor. 5:7). The blood of the Passover lamb was not needed any more as the punishment for sin (Heb. 10:4).
Why is blood needed for the forgiveness of sin? (Heb. 9:22). It is the blood inside a creature that gives it life, and the punishment for sin is death (Lev. 17:14). Why did the lamb have to be without any flaw? The perfect lamb was a picture of Jesus who never sinned (Heb. 9:15). Jesus is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world (John 1: 29). God’s love is so great that He made a way for us to be forgiven through the blood of Jesus (See 2 Cor. 5:21).
Instead of eating the Passover meal and remembering that God saved the people from slavery in Egypt, Jesus said to eat His supper (the Lord’s Supper or Communion) and remember that He died to save us from being slaves to sin. When we eat the Lord’s Supper, we remember God’s love and Jesus’ great sacrifice. As we remember Jesus’ sacrifice, we also look forward to His return. Those who believe and trust Jesus will eat this supper with Him when He returns.
Truth: Jesus gave His life for the forgiveness of sins.
Discuss:
- Why is the Passover lamb no longer needed?
- Why is blood required for the forgiveness of sins?
- What are we to remember until Jesus returns?
Excerpted from the family devotional Why Easter? by Barbara Reaoch