“The Final Passover”
Luke 22:1-23

“Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover must be killed.” – Luke 22:7

“All roads lead to heaven.” That is what many would say. But Jesus said something vastly different. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [Jn 14:6] These words are clear. There is no ambiguity. We therefore must now decide, do we receive them or reject them.

But think about it, if Jesus “healed every disease and sickness,” raised the dead, cast out demons, calmed the storm, and walked on water; then we ought to seriously ponder His words. Because those deeds ratify those words, wouldn’t you say?

But interestingly enough, while there were some who responded favorably after the miracles, the majority did not. Even His own countrymen [Israel] who witnessed the miracles rejected Him. And Jesus had now ministered in Jerusalem for the better part of three days, and yet the religious leaders became even more hostile. 

It was not the coming of Messiah the disciples expected. They were looking for Christ to rule and reign, not to die. Jesus, however, had warned them previously, and several times, but “its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” [Lk 18:34]

One of the key themes in the Bible is two comings of Christ. The first was to take away the sins of the world; the second would be to rule and reign. However, to partake of the second one must receive the first; it is a package deal; the one follows the other. And that is highlighted in our passage.

Jesus became the final Passover Lamb whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sin. John the Baptist foretold this, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”  The fascinating thing is that Jesus fulfilled that work precisely on Passover. Coincidence? I think not.

To fulfill all Scripture, Jesus, the final Passover Lamb, not only atoned for sin; He took it away. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” [Ps 103:12] And that my friend is good news! 

It is only in the “taking away” that you and I meet with Holy God.

To be in the presence of Holiness we must be declared righteous. And that is only done through the blood of Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” our Final Passover.