Exodus 12: The First Passover

Key Verse: Exodus 12:13"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."

This is the night everything changes.

The final plague is coming. The death of the firstborn will sweep through Egypt, striking down the mighty and the lowly alike. But God provides a way of escape—a covering of protection for His people.

He commands each Israelite household to take a lamb, without blemish, and sacrifice it. They are to take its blood and spread it on the doorposts of their homes. When the Lord sees the blood, He will pass over that house, sparing those inside from judgment.

This is the first Passover, a night that will be remembered for generations. It is a night of both deliverance and judgment.

The Israelites eat the meal in haste—roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. They are dressed and ready to go. Because after this night, they will no longer be slaves.

Then, at midnight, the plague falls.

A cry rises from Egypt like never before. From Pharaoh’s palace to the lowest servant, every household without the blood of the lamb experiences the loss of a firstborn.

Pharaoh, broken and defeated, calls for Moses and Aaron. “Go. Take your people, take your flocks, take everything, and leave.”

The Israelites are finally free.

They leave Egypt in haste, carrying silver and gold given to them by the Egyptians, who are desperate for them to go. After 430 years in bondage, they walk out as a nation redeemed by God.

A Foreshadowing of Christ

Passover is not just a moment in history—it points to something greater. Jesus is our Passover Lamb.

• Just as the lamb had to be without blemish, Jesus was without sin.

• Just as its blood covered the doorposts, Jesus’ blood covers us from judgment.

• Just as Israel was freed from slavery, we are freed from sin.

Judgment will come, just as it did in Egypt. But for those covered by the blood of Jesus, there is salvation.

A Lesson for Us

God’s people had to act in faith. They had to apply the blood. It wasn’t enough to simply believe in the power of the lamb—they had to obey.

The same is true for us. Salvation is available, but we must receive it. We must put our trust in Jesus, our perfect Lamb, and follow Him.

Tonight was the night of freedom for Israel. Today can be the day of freedom for you.

The question is, are you covered by the blood of the Lamb?