Jesus Christ's body is a multi-faceted symbol. Sometimes Christ's body is a symbol of His death, but at other times it is a symbol of life. So, it says here that the Passover bread represents Christ's body. When Jesus uses bread as a symbol for His body, it is a symbol of life, even eternal life. We won't turn to it, but John 6 explains this symbol very clearly. There, Jesus speaks of bread that endures to everlasting life. He speaks of the bread of God, the bread of life, and the living bread. When Jesus says that He is the living bread (John 6:51), it means that His flesh is not merely something that leads to eternal life, but He indicates a body that is alive. As we partake of the bread, we become one with the living Savior.
Certainly that ought to point out to us the importance of the Passover, because we understand that He is speaking symbolically (figuratively) of His own death, His burial, and His resurrection. And that these symbols would be part and parcel of the way of life that He gave to us—something with which we would be renewing our commitment to Him and to His Father.
I think that summarizes. It points out the importance of the Passover to you and me. If we do not take the Passover, and take it properly; we simply have no eternal life in us. It is just that important!
In Exodus 12, if those people had not followed the instructions—I want you to note this. They had to eat the Passover. The emphasis here is on "eating." We may go so far as to say that the eating of the Passover might be the most important part of all. Anybody can begin by believing in the Word of God—believing in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "Eating" and "drinking" implies a lifelong process! That shows whether the person really is "a Christian."
