2058 - Examining for the Passover

Darryl Henson - April 25, 2026 - As Passover approaches, we are reminded that this season calls us to examine ourselves with the same care ancient Israel used when selecting the Passover lamb. In Exodus 12, the lamb had to be without blemish, carefully inspected, and fully consumed—pointing us to Christ’s perfect sacrifice and to our calling to become living sacrifices. We recognize how easy it is to excuse our shortcomings, yet we are urged to resist that tendency and instead pursue holiness with intention. The instructions given to Israel—preparing the lamb, applying the blood, eating in haste, and approaching the night with seriousness—teach us that obedience, readiness, and reverence are essential attitudes as we draw near to Passover. We also see how the events of that night carried life‑and‑death weight: the blood on the doorposts meant protection, while neglecting God’s command meant loss. This same seriousness carries into Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11, where we are reminded that the symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood must be taken with sobriety, gratitude, and unity. The early church struggled with wrong attitudes—self‑focus, carelessness, even drunkenness—and their example warns us to approach this observance with humility and discernment. Together, we are called to prepare our hearts, examine our spiritual condition honestly, and renew our commitment to honor Christ’s sacrifice fully.