The Israelites were instructed by God to sacrifice a year-old male lamb that was without defect. The meat was to be roasted and eaten, along with bitter herbs and bread made without yeast. The blood of that animal was to be smeared on the sides and tops of the threshold of their homes. When God passed through the land of Egypt to strike down the firstborn, he would see that blood and pass over that house, protecting that home from the plague. (Cf. Ex. 12)
There are a number of fascinating parallels between the Old Testament Passover lambs and Jesus. (1) The Passover lambs for the Israelites had to be "without defect" (Ex. 12:5). Jesus is described as being "without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). (2) The lambs were to be sacrificed (Ex. 12:6). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (5:7). (3) In preparing the Passover lamb, the Israelites were commanded: "Do not break any of the bones" (Ex. 12:46). John's gospel records that when Jesus was crucified "they did not break his legs" (19:33), fulfilling scripture. (4) God made it clear that application of the lamb's blood would provide deliverance. "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt" (Ex. 12:13). The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus' death provides spiritual deliverance for those who believe. "We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10).
