Tuesday: Pesach
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 29th of July 2025
Read Exodus 12:17-23. What role does blood play in the celebration of this new festival?
The blood of the sacrificed animal is a key element in this celebration. Those who participated in this feast had put the blood of the slain lamb on the doorframes of their houses. In this way, they demonstrated their faith in God, believing that He would deliver them from what those not covered by the blood would face.
What a powerful expression of the gospel!
Image © Phil McKay at Goodsalt.com
The Passover lamb had to be without blemish because it pointed to Jesus Christ, “ ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” (John 1:29, NKJV). The animal’s blood played a crucial role: it symbolized protection and was the sign of life at a time of death.
“ ‘ “Now 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 the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt” ’ ” (Exodus 12:13, NKJV).
The whole gospel was associated with the celebration of the Passover because it pointed not only to freedom from slavery and going to the Promised Land but to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and His merits applied to all who are covered by His blood.
Centuries later as Paul looked back on this celebration, he wrote: “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV).
Yeast, or leaven, was used to prepare dough of various kinds. When it is first mentioned in the Bible, it is in connection with the preparation of the unleavened bread on the eve of the Israelites’ departure from Egypt. Yeast also had to be removed from their homes (Exodus 12:8,15-20; Exodus 13:3-7). In this particular context, yeast was a symbol of sin (1 Corinthians 5:6-8); therefore, it was not to be used during the Passover festival for a week.
The unleavened bread is a symbol of the sinless Messiah, who overcame all temptations and gave His life for us (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 4:15). A bunch of “hyssop,” which was dipped in the blood, symbolized God’s purifying grace (Psalms 51:7). In short, all through Pesach, the redeeming work of Jesus is revealed.
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What does the fact that it took the blood of Jesus, God Himself, to atone for sin to teach us about how bad sin really is? |
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A couple of explanations:
Pesach is the Hebrew word for Passover, and it means just that. The first record of the word is in Exodus.
Hyssop is a translation of ezov in the Hebrew and in generally thought to be one of the plants in Oregano/marjoram family of herbs. These are quite common in the eastern Mediterranean region and is often found growing in stone walls and fences. It is closely related to the culinary herbs by the same name we use nowadays. They were originally used because of their antiseptic properties but were also added to food, particularly meat dishes, because they added flavour. Its use during the night of the Passover was partly due to its ready availability.
Much of the symbolism we attach to the elements of the Passover is provided by Jesus in the New Testament when he applied them to himself and his mission. The early Hebrews probably just took them as symbols of their release from Egyptian bondage. Interestingly, in the history of the Pesach, and the Seder feast, other symbols were added to remind the participants of their suffering and their responsibility to be aware of the suffering of others. (Something pertinent to the current Israel/Palestine conflict)
Pesach ultimately became a cultural meme for the Hebrews and is still significant even among secular Jews in our modern age. The really sad part about it is that it is about celebrating their identity rather than providing a springboard for action to spread the values of love and understanding to those around them.
That raises the issue for us, Seventh-day Adventists, about some of the things we hold dear, like the Sabbath and our perception of the Second Advent. How much of those iconic beliefs are simply symbols for our identity, rather than a launching pad for sharing the love of Jesus? It is very easy to become focused on identity rather than our responsibility. Keeping the Sabbath and proclaiming Jesus is coming soon is relatively easy compared to living and sharing with others.
The Hebrew people called this herb azob, meaning "holy herb." Hyssop was used in ancient times as a cleansing herb for temples and other sacred places. It was also used to repel insects. The primary symbolism of hyssop revolves around purification and protection. This herb has long been used in rituals to cleanse spaces and protect against negative energies.
The lamb was to be plain with no blemish. Its blood would be put in a basin. The hyssop was to be used to sprinkle on the two door post and the lintel. Further, unleavened bread was to be consumed for until the 21st day; no leaven should be found in the house for 7 days.
All this types point to a Saviour. The hyssop would represent the cross that will carry the unblemished lamb who will die for us to live; He that will not only repel sin but also save the sinner. The innocence of the messaiah is represented by the unleavened bread; not corrupted by yeast.
Christ is at the centre of all this symbolism with a mission to save us from the bondage of Sin.
The Passover event is one of the clearest demonstrations in scripture where faith in God must be accompanied by obedience. This event shows how faith and works are two sides of the same coin. The acts of slaughtering a spotless lamb, applying its blood on the doorpost, eating the lamb in a specific manner, removing all leaven from their houses and ready to depart Egypt in haste is a vivid demonstration that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Faith is not simply a mental assent or emotional trust, but it should be expressed in obedient actions. Our faith in God should be manifested in visible actions. Christianity is a very real and tangible religion. Our love, kindness, care compassion, mercy and salvation must be seen for the world to see what God has done to us. People don’t see faith, but they see our actions. To believe in God’s deliverance and yet refuse to obey is to fall into the same trap as Pharaoh. We don’t apply blood on our doorpost, but God sees the outcomes of our salvation.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
i really appreciate reading the lessons, i'd like to leavea comment here and that is, can the lessons be simplified in simple english for simple people to read, understand and appreciate what they can get out off the lessons itself
Hello Leps, An "Easy English" version is available from your local Seventh-day Adventist Conference if you live in the US. Unfortunately I do not know of any place that it is available online.
If you do not understand some words in the lesson, you can always look up the meaning online.
You can also ask questions on this blog.
https://www.sabbath.school/ This link will take you to the easy version.
The story demonstrates Gods power to protect and deliver those who trust in him.The Israelites were spared from the plague because they followed Gods instructions, showcasing his faithfulness to those who obey.The act of removing leaven from their homes symbolizes the need to cleanse our lives of sin and spiritual impurities,just as leaven can corrupt the bread,sin can corrupt our lives.
On the night of the first Passover, deliverance was not based on nationality but on faith and obedience. Any Egyptian who believed God’s warning and took shelter in a Hebrew home marked by the lamb’s blood was spared.
This reminds us that God's mercy is available to all who respond in faith. The blood on the doorposts pointed to Christ, whose sacrifice offers salvation to every believer—regardless of background.
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (Exodus 12:13)
Still today, it is faith in the blood of the Lamb that brings protection and life.
No rational explanation exists for God's ultimate demonstration of love: Jesus' death. Difficult for us to understand that God had to answer to an evil mindset grown inside His perfect creature.