Blood and Water: Echoes of Exodus in the New Testament

Shabbat Shalom, everyone. As Passover approaches, it is a fitting time to reflect on its profound significance beyond the historical event. This message explores how the New Testament authors intricately weave the Passover narrative into their writings, revealing a greater story of redemption through Jesus, or Yeshua, as I prefer.

Passover as a Narrative of Redemption

The message begins with a focus on the Gospel of John, emphasizing how John carefully curated the stories in his gospel to convey a specific vision. His gospel presents Jesus as the climax of the biblical story, the one who brings about a new exodus, not just from Egypt but from sin, shame, death, and exile. This greater exodus is symbolized by Jesus as the true Passover lamb, whose blood transforms the heart.

Biblical Motifs and Patterns

The theme of water and new creation runs throughout the biblical narrative, from Genesis to Exodus and into the promised land. The speaker draws parallels between Genesis 1 and the Exodus story, where God separates chaos waters to bring forth dry land, signifying a new creation. These motifs continue as Israel crosses the Jordan River into the promised land, symbolizing God’s rest and a new creation.

The New Exodus in Prophecy and Gospel Accounts

Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke of a new exodus, a new creation that would transcend the liberation from Egypt and address humanity’s enslavement to sin and death. This message is echoed in the gospels, particularly in the accounts of John the Baptist calling people out of spiritual bondage into the wilderness, where Israel first encountered God. Matthew and John emphasize Jesus as the fulfillment of this new exodus.

Jesus: The New Moses

Matthew’s gospel draws parallels between Jesus and Moses, highlighting how Jesus’ life mirrors Moses’ in significant ways. Just as Moses brought the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, revealing God’s heart for humanity. These connections emphasize Jesus as the new Moses, leading a new exodus.

John’s Passover Imagery

John’s gospel is saturated with Passover imagery. It begins with a creation story, not of old creation but a new creation through Jesus. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, emphasizing Jesus’ role in a new exodus. The signs in John’s gospel mirror the plagues of Egypt, yet they transform death into life-giving acts.

The Culmination: Crucifixion and New Creation

John’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion is filled with Passover symbolism. Jesus’ bones remain unbroken, fulfilling the Passover lamb requirements. Blood and water flow from Jesus’ side, echoing Zechariah’s prophecy of cleansing and grace flowing from God’s throne. This imagery signifies the opening of a new creation where the constraints of old creation are lifted.

The Resurrection: The Dawn of a New Creation

In John 20, the resurrection scene parallels the Genesis garden, with Mary Magdalene mistaking Jesus for a gardener. This reinforces the theme of a new creation, where Jesus, the new gardener, tends to a renewed humanity. Jesus breathes on the disciples, an act reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam, symbolizing a new beginning.

Living Out the New Exodus

As followers of Jesus, we are invited to participate in this new creation. The message concludes with a call to let go of chains that bind us, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us to walk in freedom. Passover is not just a historical event but a present reality, a story of liberation from sin and death, urging us to live out the kingdom ethic.

Takeaways and Life Applications

• Recognize Jesus as the culmination of the Passover story, leading a new exodus from sin and death.
• Embrace the motifs and patterns in Scripture that point to a new creation through Jesus.
• Reflect on the parallels between Moses and Jesus, understanding Jesus as the new Moses.
• Allow the themes of cleansing and new creation to transform how you live out your faith.
• Let go of anything hindering you from experiencing the freedom and life Jesus offers.

Referenced Bible Verses

• John 21:25
• Genesis 1
• Exodus 14
• Psalm 95
• 1 Kings 10:14
• Isaiah 40
• Luke 3:2

Recommended Books

• The Lost World of Genesis One by John H. Walton
• The Day the Revolution Began by N.T. Wright
• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

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