The Exodus Foreshadows Easter
Every year, Jews celebrate the Passover, while Christians celebrate Easter. While Jews remember the Exodus from Egypt, Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. While one holy day bears the name Exodus, both were actually an exodus. One was an exodus from the grip of human slavery, while the other was an exodus from the grip of eternal slavery. And in both instances, God made a way when there was no other way.
What’s remarkable about reflecting on the Exodus, especially during Easter, is that this was actually a precursor and a foreshadow for what Jesus was going to do for us on the cross. Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection was our Red Sea. It was our exodus from the grip of slavery. It was our exodus from oppression to freedom as Jesus was nailed on the cross, in order to make a way for us. Easter was our exodus from hurt and our exodus from paying for all that we deserve. It was Jesus making a way when there was no other way.
Easter was our exodus from hurt and our exodus from paying for all that we deserve.
As Christians, we get to celebrate today what Jews are still anticipating. Rather than keeping a place out at the table for Elijah to come—as Jews typically would do during Passover—we recognize that the spirit of Elijah already came in John the Baptist. John the Baptist was the forerunner who paved the way for Jesus’ arrival.
And rather than participating in the Feast of Unleavened Bread where the Jews would remember their past freedom and look forward to a future salvation, we get to celebrate through communion the fact that the Messiah has already secured our freedom and salvation when we place our hope in him.
Isn’t that incredible? Isn’t that good news?
Jesus Wants To Be Your Exodus
This Easter, let’s remember that our resurrected Jesus is not in the business of patching up our brokenness with makeshift bandages. Nor is he in the business of pouring new wine into old wineskins. Rather, in and through his death and resurrection, he wants to pour new wine into new wineskins (Mark 2:22). He wants to bring about beauty from the ashes of your past (Isaiah 61:3). And he wants to do that for you and in your life.
When you come before this crucified and resurrected Jesus—this Jesus who defeated death, sin, pain, hurt, and suffering—and give him your life, he will make you into a new creation (2 Cor 5:17).
He will be your exodus from the grip of slavery. He will be your exodus from oppression to freedom. He will be your exodus from hurt, and your exodus from paying for all that you deserve. He will make a way when you see no other way.
This is why Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30 CSB).
Will you come to him today and experience your own exodus on this Easter?
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