Prologue: The First Passover

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It happened in the time of Moses.

As God prepared to send the tenth and final plague upon Egypt, He instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to choose a lamb for sacrifice, a lamb without defect, one for each household. They were to take some of the blood and smear it on the two doorposts and the lintel of their houses.

“On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn, both man and beast, in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.” (Exodus 12: 12-14)

God’s judgment would pass through the land indiscriminately; every family subject to God’s wrath, even the Israelites. Their only hope for salvation was to take shelter under God’s sacrificial provision.

A lamb had to be slain.

A lamb without spot or blemish — slaughtered as a substitute for a sinner.

All throughout Egypt there would be either a dead lamb or a dead son. Those who marked their doorways with the blood of a lamb as an act of faith received forgiveness, and the angel of death “passed over” them. But those who did not, saw death come to their home.

Since then, God’s people commemorate the Passover. It is a law for all generations.

Station 1: Jesus Celebrates Passover
The Last Supper

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As they were eating, He took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22-25)

REFLECT

When Jesus stood up to bless the food, He held up bread. All Passover meals had bread. He blessed the wine—all Passover meals had wine. But not one of the Gospels mentions the main course… What kind of Passover would be celebrated without lamb?

There was no lamb on the table because the Lamb of God was at the table.

Jesus was the main course…

In Mark, when Jesus says, “This is my body… This is my blood… poured out,” he means: I am the One that the prophets spoke about. I am the Lamb of God to which all the other lambs pointed, the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.

(from Timothy Keller’s Jesus the King, p. 182-183)

RESPOND

As you continue on the path that Jesus took to Calvary prepare your heart to grasp the awesome depth of His love for you.

Station 2: Jesus Prays

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After the Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples walked to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knew the dismal fate that awaited Him and was filled with sorrow and deep despair.

He told His disciples,

“Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:40)

But they fell asleep.

It was a moment of desperation for Jesus. He fell on His face and prayed.

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

And His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:44)

REFLECT

In the end, Jesus submitted to His Father. He obeyed. He took the cup. And He drank every single drop. He did it for you.

Imagine yourself that night in the garden with Jesus. He asked you to watch and pray. But what did you do? You slept and then you fled.

Think about the last time you felt fearful and alone. Did you fall on your knees to pray? Did you trust your pain to your heavenly Father?

How do we pray? When we pray it is always about us. We pray for what we want. We do not care that God wants the best for us. We want Him to see it our way. We want to control those around us, even God. And then we defy Him. We do it our way.

Still, He loves us.

RESPOND

Pray: Jesus, thank you for drinking the cup. Thank you for not giving up on me. Lord, I am afraid. The world has gone dark and dangerous. Evil and disease is all around me. I cannot make it alone. I need you Lord. Give me the strength to endure. Give me the wisdom to do what is right in Your eyes. Strengthen my faith. Teach me to trust in Your goodness and mercy. Amen.

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