Preparing the Passover Lamb (Luke 22:1-13)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

The Pattern of God’s Sovereignty in Scripture

The events surrounding Christ and the conspiracy against Him should not surprise us when we consider the broader biblical narrative. From Adam and Eve’s fall in the garden to the promise of a victorious offspring, Scripture consistently demonstrates humanity’s failure to live by God’s word alongside God’s unwavering plan for redemption. Abraham’s test with Isaac and the deliverance of Israel from Egypt highlight a recurring pattern: God’s promises come to fruition through unexpected or seemingly impossible circumstances. Even in situations marked by human failure, sin, and death, God remains sovereign, orchestrating history toward His redemptive purpose.

The Threat of Malicious Men

In the context of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the chief priests and scribes sought to kill Christ. These leaders, charged with upholding holiness, we engage in unholiness. They were conspiring in secret, out of fear of the crowds, rather than a genuine fear of the Lord. Their actions reveal a tragic distortion of human priorities: they were willing to reject God’s appointed Messiah to preserve their own power and image. Judas, who aligned himself with them, illustrates the conscious surrender to evil that is possible when hearts turn from God. Here, Scripture reveals the stark reality of human sinfulness in contrast to God’s ultimate control. This is showing a horrible state where men join to conspire with Satan literally.

Christ as the Passover Lamb

Amid conspiracies, chaos, and betrayal, Christ demonstrates His role as the Passover Lamb. Luke emphasizes the timing and preparation of the Passover meal, showing Christ’s sovereign orchestration of events. Though Judas knew that the meal would take place, Christ provided just enough guidance for His disciples to prepare without compromising His redemptive plan. Christ proves that he is a prophet and he will lay down his life at the appointed time. Like the original Passover in Egypt, where the blood of the lamb saved God’s people, Christ willingly submits to the suffering and betrayal that will lead to the cross, fulfilling God’s plan without error or accident. He demonstrates that redemption comes through precise divine timing, not human schemes.

Our Redemption and Consecration in Him

Christ’s work as the Passover Lamb extends beyond historical events; it consecrates and redeems His people. While Israel’s festivals often fell short of their intended meaning due to human sin, Christ fulfills them perfectly, securing redemption once for all. He comes to undeserving people, covers their sins, and establishes a definitive exodus from death to life. Luke presents this to assure us that nothing in our lives surprises God because He is faithful and so powerful that he fulfills his promises. Our identity, consecration, and strength are found in Him, the Lamb of God, who calls us to bow the knee and live in the fullness of His redemption.