Daily Devotional | Yeast, Sin, and the Passover Lamb

Jesus Christ is both our Good Shepherd and the perfect Lamb of God, sacrificed for our salvation. While under the Mosaic Law animals had to be sacrificed over and over, our Lord Jesus became the perfect Sacrifice who paid that price once for all (Heb. 7:26–28). As we read the Passover and Last Supper narratives, we learned that Jesus is our Passover Lamb (v. 7). Because of Christ’s blood, God “passes over” us. Instead of paying the penalty of death, we receive His gift of eternal life.

When we take communion, the bread and the wine symbolize Jesus’ body and blood, sacrificed for us. The yeast (actually fermented dough) mentioned in these verses is also a reference to the Passover (vv. 6–8; see also Ex. 12:19). Unleavened bread, or bread without yeast as a rising agent, was eaten on Passover. Yeast figuratively represents sin or wickedness. The phrase “as you really are” (v. 7) indicates that we should “get rid of the old yeast” and choose to live in accord with our new identity as believers. In the same way, during the original Passover, the Israelites chose to trust and act as God’s special people.

This was not an abstract theological point. Paul was confronting a specific situation of immorality that had been occurring in the Corinthian church (vv. 1–5). Their failure to deal with sin dishonored Christ’s sacrifice. The same is true today. When the church associates with or even tolerates sin we are dishonoring the name of Christ and our own salvation (vv. 9–13).

>> Accountability plays an important role in the Christian walk. Are you currently in an accountability relationship? This is a relationship in which you allow a fellow believer to hold you responsible for sin in your life, especially in particular areas of temptation. Think about who you could ask to play this important role in your life.