18 Similarities between Jesus and the Passover Lamb
Scriptural Links: Passover Lamb and Jesus - Your Eyes Will Be Opened!
1. The first Passover lamb was slain during the dark times in Egypt, marking the beginning of The Exodus, which delivered the Israelites from slavery. Similarly, the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb, delivered humanity from sin and marked the beginning of true salvation for all mankind.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:21-28
- New Testament: John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7
2. Four Days: A lamb had to be chosen and brought into the house four days before Passover. Just as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey four days before His death on the cross during the eve of Passover.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:3-6
- New Testament: Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-10
3. Without Blemish: The lamb had to be without cuts, bruises, or deformities, symbolizing its perfection. Jesus, being without sin, was also without blemish.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:5
- New Testament: 1 Peter 1:19
4. One year: The lamb had to be one year old, in the prime of its life. Jesus was sacrificed in the prime of His life at the age of 33.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:5
- New Testament: Luke 3:23
5. Male: The lamb had to be a male. Jesus came to earth as a man.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:5
- New Testament: Philippians 2:7-8
6. Everyone: Every house and each family had to have their own lamb. Similarly, everyone must individually open their hearts and personally accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:3-4
- New Testament: John 1:12
7. The 14th day: The Passover Lamb was slain on the afternoon of the 14th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish calendar. Jesus was crucified on the same day as the Passover lambs.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:6
- New Testament: Matthew 27:46-50, Mark 15:33-37
8. Broken Bones: The bones of the Passover Lamb were not allowed to be broken, just as Jesus' bones were not broken during His crucifixion.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:46
- New Testament: John 19:31-36
9. No leftovers: The Passover lamb had to be entirely consumed on the eve of Passover. Jesus' body was taken off the cross on the same evening of His crucifixion.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:10
- New Testament: Matthew 27:57-61
10. Firstborn: The Passover lamb died in place of the firstborn of the Israelites, symbolizing their redemption. Similarly, Jesus died in our place to reconcile us with God.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:12-13
- New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21
11. Blood: The blood of the Passover lamb was sprinkled on the doorposts, serving as a sign of protection. Likewise, the blood of Jesus keeps those who believe in Him safe from judgment.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:7, Exodus 12:13
- New Testament: Romans 5:9, Hebrews 9:22
12. Freedom: The Passover lamb opened the way to freedom for the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus' sacrifice sets humanity free from the bondage of sin.
- Old Testament: Exodus 12:31-42
- New Testament: Galatians 5:1
13. Consume: The Passover lamb had to be entirely consumed, symbolizing