Friday, May 25, 2007, Part 1

“Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7,8).

"We have been redeemed . . . from the vain manner of life, with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18).

IDEA: Passover is a significant celebration for both Jews and Christians.

PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate the significance of the Passover.

Do you think most people in the United States understand the bumper sticker that urges us to “Put Christ back in Xmas”?

Do you think most Americans today know the significance of Christmas or Easter?

Do you think most Americans understand why Jewish friends celebrate Passover? 

I. What is “Passover”? Where did the name for the holiday come from?

Exodus 12 is the supreme chapter in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

What does the name “Exodus” mean?

Read Exodus 12:1-42.

What then does the word “Passover” mean?

II. Why is the Passover still significant to Jews over 3,000 years later. 

It marked the first month of the sacred year in the Jewish calendar. It was a new beginning for the nation.

It must have conveyed some message of redemption, the deliverance from slavery and death.

III. The Feast of Passover has significance for Christians.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 states, “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”

1 Peter 1:18 states, “We have been redeemed . . . from the vain manner of life, with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.”