Luke 22:7 – “Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.”

Extended Explanation

This verse introduces the beginning of the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shares with His disciples before His arrest and crucifixion. The “day of Unleavened Bread” refers to the time of preparation for the Passover meal. The focus here is on the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, which was central to the Jewish celebration of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

In the original Passover (Exodus 12), the lamb’s blood was placed on the doorframes of the Israelites’ homes so that the angel of death would pass over them during the final plague. By mentioning the sacrifice of the lamb, this verse foreshadows the greater sacrifice that Jesus is about to make. He is the ultimate Passover lamb, whose blood will bring eternal salvation to all who believe in Him.

Historical Context

The Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover were closely connected in Jewish tradition. The Feast of Unleavened Bread began on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) and lasted seven days. The Passover meal was eaten on the evening that began the first day of the festival.

The celebration commemorated the Exodus, when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. During the first Passover, each family was required to sacrifice a lamb and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The unleavened bread symbolized the haste with which they had to leave Egypt, and the lamb represented God’s provision and protection.

At the time of Jesus, Jerusalem would have been packed with pilgrims traveling from all over the region to observe the festival. The sacrifice of the lambs took place at the temple, and the meal was shared in homes that evening. The city would have been alive with religious activity, but few realized that the true Lamb of God was about to be sacrificed.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the connection between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Passover lamb in the Old Testament pointed forward to Jesus, who would be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. The blood of the lamb in Egypt provided temporary physical protection, but Jesus’ blood provides eternal spiritual protection and salvation (John 1:29).

Jesus’ death would fulfill the meaning of the Passover. Just as the Israelites were freed from physical slavery in Egypt, believers are freed from spiritual slavery to sin through Jesus. This verse shows that God’s plan of redemption, revealed in the Old Testament, was always leading to Jesus.

Additionally, the timing of Jesus’ sacrifice during the Passover is not coincidental—it is a demonstration of God’s perfect sovereignty. The fact that Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, would be sacrificed at the same time as the traditional lambs was a fulfillment of God’s plan from the beginning.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s mention of the “day of Unleavened Bread” and the “Passover lamb” is more than just a chronological marker. It sets the stage for the climactic events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Luke uses this language to draw readers’ attention to the spiritual significance of what is about to happen.

The phrase “had to be sacrificed” carries theological weight. It’s a reminder that the sacrifice of the lamb was not optional—it was necessary for the observance of Passover. In the same way, Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary for the salvation of humanity. His death was not an accident or a tragedy but a fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

This verse also creates a sense of anticipation. Readers familiar with the Gospel narrative know that the events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion are approaching, and this verse signals that the time is near.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:1-28 – The institution of the Passover and the instructions for the sacrifice of the lamb.
• John 1:29 – John the Baptist refers to Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
• 1 Corinthians 5:7 – Paul calls Christ “our Passover lamb” who has been sacrificed.
• Isaiah 53:7 – The suffering servant is compared to a lamb led to the slaughter, foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrificial death.
• Hebrews 10:10 – Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, fulfilling the need for any further sacrifices.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed for the Israelites to be saved, Jesus had to die for the forgiveness of sin. His death wasn’t just an event in history—it was the turning point in God’s plan to redeem humanity.

This verse also encourages believers to reflect on the cost of their salvation. Just as the Israelites were spared because of the lamb’s sacrifice, Christians are spared from spiritual death because of Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s a call to live with gratitude, obedience, and reverence for what Jesus has done.

Additionally, the connection between the Passover and the Lord’s Supper (Communion) is significant. When Christians partake in Communion, they remember Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrate the new covenant He established through His death and resurrection (Luke 22:19-20).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is at the heart of this verse. The Passover celebration was a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness in delivering His people from slavery. But that deliverance was only a foreshadowing of the ultimate act of love: God sending His Son to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16).

God’s love is demonstrated in the way He provides for His people. Just as He provided a way for the Israelites to be saved through the blood of the lamb, He provides a way for humanity to be saved through the blood of Jesus. His love is patient, sacrificial, and redemptive, offering salvation to all who believe.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. The lambs sacrificed in the temple were a temporary solution to the problem of sin, but Jesus’ sacrifice was final and complete. As the Lamb of God, Jesus took the punishment for sin upon Himself, allowing believers to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

This verse connects directly to the events of the Last Supper, where Jesus redefined the meaning of the Passover meal. Instead of remembering the Exodus, Jesus instructed His disciples to remember His sacrifice. The bread and the cup symbolize His body and blood, given for the salvation of many (Luke 22:19-20).

Additionally, Jesus’ role as the Lamb of God is emphasized in Revelation 5:12, where He is praised for His sacrifice and victory over sin and death. His death wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a new covenant and the foundation of eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does understanding the connection between the Passover lamb and Jesus’ sacrifice deepen your appreciation for what Jesus did on the cross?
2. What does this verse teach us about God’s plan of redemption and how it was fulfilled through Jesus?
3. In what ways can you live with greater gratitude and obedience in response to Jesus’ sacrifice?
4. How does the timing of Jesus’ death during the Passover demonstrate God’s sovereignty?
5. How does reflecting on Jesus as the Lamb of God help you experience God’s love more deeply in your daily life?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ sacrifice was the fulfillment of centuries of promises and prophecies. His death and resurrection are at the center of God’s plan to redeem and restore humanity, offering hope, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe.