The final plague in Egypt was the death of the first born. The death of the firstborn in Egypt delivered the Israelites from bondage. The death of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father’s firstborn, can deliver us from the bondage of sin and worldliness.
Exodus 12:2, “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” The Passover was a new beginning. Christ was crucified at the time of the Passover. We can begin anew through Christ’s atonement if we repent.
Exodus 12:3-5, “In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb . . . Your lamb shall be without blemish.” Christ, the lamb of God, was without blemish. The blood of Christ can take away our blemishes.
Exodus 12:7, “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.” The blood symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of the lamb saved the firstborn of the children of Israel. The blood of Christ can save us.
Exodus 12:8, “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” Leavening was a symbol of corruption here because in the days of the Israelites, yeast spoiled and turned moldy very easy. Their offering needed to be pure without any corruption. They were putting away all uncleanliness. We, too, should put away all of our sin and worldiness. The bondage that the children of Israel suffered was bitter. The bitter herbs were in remembrance of this.
Exodus 12:14, “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinancefor ever.” The Israelites were always to remember their deliverance by observing the Passover. We, too, must always remember Christ’s atonement.
President Boyd K. Packer said in General Conference of April 1996, “The law of sacrifice was fulfilled with the Crucifixion. The Lord instituted the sacrament in its place. That is the ordinance we shall keep forever!” The blood of a lamb saved the firstborn of the children of Israel. The blood Jesus Christ will save me if I am faithful, obedient, and continually repent.
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