Did you know that there is a specific day to chose a lamb to be sacrificed for the Passover celebration? According to Exodus 12:3, the day is the 10th of Nisan. Nearly 2,000 years ago, in the streets of Jerusalem, as families were selecting lambs for sacrifice, another event unfolded that would change history forever: Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, welcomed by crowds shouting, “Hosanna!” This was not just a coincidence. The Gospel of John shows us that the triumphal entry of Jesus aligned perfectly with the day lambs were selected, revealing Him as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Here are three things that we can learn:
First, Jesus was chosen for sacrifice.
In Exodus 12:3, God commanded each Israelite household to select a lamb on the 10th of Nisan, a lamb without blemish, set apart for the Passover sacrifice. This lamb would bear the cost of their deliverance. On that same day, as families chose their lambs, Jesus entered Jerusalem, presenting Himself as God’s chosen Lamb.
The crowds cried “Hosanna”—“save us”—not fully grasping that He was there to do just that. John the Baptist had proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29), and now Jesus rode in to redeem us.
Second, Jesus was spotless and sufficient.
The Passover lamb had to be perfect, without defect (Exodus 12:5), symbolizing purity. Families would inspect their lambs to meet God’s standard, but those lambs could only cover sin for a moment. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on that day of choosing, He came as the spotless Lamb, fully human yet sinless (Hebrews 4:15). Even His enemies could find no fault in Him (John 18:38). His perfect life made Him the sufficient sacrifice—not for one family or one year, but for all people, for all time. As 1 Corinthians 5:7 declares, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
Third, Jesus brings ultimate deliverance.
The blood of the Passover lamb shielded Israel from death, marking their homes for deliverance (Exodus 12:13). But that freedom was temporary, pointing to a greater rescue. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He came to fulfill the Passover, offering victory over spiritual death, not just physical.
The crowds saw a king, but Jesus knew His crown would be thorns, His throne a cross. In days, His blood would seal a new covenant (Luke 22:20).
The 10th of Nisan was not just another day in Jerusalem—it was the day Jesus entered as the Lamb of God. Chosen for sacrifice, spotless and sufficient, He brings us ultimate deliverance.
In this Holy Week, let us live in the freedom of His sacrifice, sharing the news that our Passover Lamb has triumphed.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University