Redeemer by Blood, Deliverer from Death, Fulfillment of the Covenant
(Ex 12; Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; Jn 19:14, 31–36; Rev 5:6–13)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
Jesus Christ is revealed in Scripture as the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings definitive liberation from sin and death. The Passover event in Exodus prefigures Christ’s redemptive death, while the New Testament explicitly identifies Him as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29).
Primary references include Ex 12; Isa 53:7; Jn 1:29; Jn 19:14–36; 1 Cor 5:7; Heb 9:11–14; Rev 5:6–13.
Historical and Cultural Background
Passover commemorated Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Each household selected an unblemished lamb, sacrificed it, and marked the doorposts with its blood so that death would “pass over” them (Ex 12:1–13).
The lamb was chosen on the 10th of Nisan and sacrificed on the 14th. Its bones were not to be broken, and it had to be consumed entirely. This ritual shaped Israel’s identity as a redeemed people and became the central memorial of salvation.
Detailed Biblical Biography
Jesus’ final week unfolds in precise harmony with the Passover ritual. On the 10th of Nisan, Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, presenting Himself publicly as the Messiah. As Passover lambs were brought from Bethphage to the Temple, Jesus enters the city amid acclamation, unknowingly being “selected” as the true Lamb.
After cleansing the Temple, Jesus is examined and opposed by religious authorities. Their growing hostility functions as an ironic confirmation of His selection as the sacrificial Lamb.
At the Last Supper, celebrated as a Passover meal, Jesus reinterprets the ritual. He identifies His Body and Blood as the true sacrifice, replacing the lamb’s blood with His own (Lk 22:19–20). The Cross becomes the new doorpost marked with saving blood.
Jesus is crucified on the 14th of Nisan, at the very hour when Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple. Not one of His bones is broken (Jn 19:36), fulfilling the Passover prescription (Ex 12:46). His death inaugurates a new and eternal exodus—from sin to grace, from death to life.
References in Other Parts of the Bible
Isaiah foretells a silent, suffering lamb led to slaughter (Isa 53:7). St. Paul proclaims, “Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor 5:7). Hebrews presents Jesus as the perfect sacrifice whose blood accomplishes eternal redemption (Heb 9:11–14).
The Book of Revelation presents the risen Christ as the Lamb enthroned in glory, eternally worshiped (Rev 5:6–13).
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
The Passover lamb was not merely symbolic but salvific in function—its blood protected from death. Jewish expectation anticipated a greater redemption in the Messianic age. Jesus fulfills this expectation not by abolishing Passover but by completing it.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
The Church teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice is the definitive Passover (CCC 608–613). The Eucharist makes present this sacrifice sacramentally, allowing believers to partake in the true Paschal Lamb.
The Mass is therefore both sacrifice and memorial of Christ’s redemptive death.
Connection to Salvation History
From the first Passover in Egypt to the Cross on Calvary, salvation history reveals God’s method of deliverance through sacrificial love. Jesus stands at the center of this history as the true Lamb whose blood establishes the New Covenant.
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
The Passover lamb prefigures Christ. The blood on the doorposts anticipates the Cross. The exodus from Egypt points toward liberation from sin and death through Christ’s sacrifice.
What Makes This Person Unique
Jesus is the only Lamb who willingly offers Himself, whose blood cleanses all sin, and whose sacrifice is eternal and universally effective.
Strengths and Virtues
Innocence, obedience, humility, sacrificial love, redemptive power, mercy, and divine authority.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
None. Jesus is the spotless and sinless Lamb.
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
Christian life flows from the Cross. Believers are called to live redeemed lives, marked by gratitude, holiness, and self-giving love. Witnessing means pointing others to the Lamb who saves.
Reflection
Jesus, the Passover Lamb, reveals that salvation is not achieved by force but by surrender. His blood marks us not for death but for life.
To belong to Christ is to live the exodus daily—leaving sin behind and walking toward freedom. The Cross is not merely an event of the past; it is the doorway through which we continually pass into new life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, true Passover Lamb, whose blood delivers us from sin and death, help us to live as a redeemed people, grateful for Your sacrifice, faithful to Your covenant, and courageous in bearing witness to the saving power of Your Cross. Amen.