“AND THEY shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire... His head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.”
The sacrifice of the Passover lamb, as well as the eating of it, was all to be done according to God’s instructions, for how conflicting would it be if every man followed his own thoughts and inclinations! The flesh of the lamb was to be prepared in only one way—roast with fire, telling of Christ bearing the fire of God’s judgment when taking on Himself our load of sins on the cross. It was therefore to be roasted in its entirety, just as the person and work of Christ must be entirely owned—nothing omitted or counted valueless, for none of that perfect sacrifice can be omitted if He is to be claimed as Saviour.
Portions of the roast lamb were not to be eaten at random, for the word precisely stated that it was to be consumed “his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.” The head tells of the mind of Christ. What a privilege it is for the believer to enter into the thoughts of our Lord Jesus, to learn of His counsels and purposes for His own, as well as for this whole world. To heed the admonition “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 2:55Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)), surely requires feeding spiritually on that which brings us into His thoughts.
The legs were also to be eaten. How good to dwell on the walk of that blessed One who trod earth’s pathway in such perfection—whose daily course was marked by obedience to His Father’s will, by compassion on the needy of this world, by the kindness and sympathy tard all who came to Him in their need; and who could meet with the outcast woman at Sychar’s well, or with a ruler of the Jews who came to Him by night. Yes, “eating of the legs” is a suited portion for every one who knows Him as Saviour and who would heed the admonition: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:2121For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21).
The purtenance (or inward parts) was also given as a proper portion of this feast for it is a reminder of the heart-affection and devotedness of our Saviour. His divine affection should ever be before the believer, for the Word of God tells repeatedly of His love for His own and His dire to have them draw near to Himself. Ah, that the heart might know more of this lovely feast with its unsurpassed treasures, its sustenance and strength for each day of the journey toward our heavenly home! Soon He will return to claim His beloved, for whom He was the true Lamb, foreordained before the foundations of the world.
The Holy Spirit delights to lead the hearts of God’s people into such precious channels. May we heed the invitation to satisfy our every longing with Him who is the bread of life and the perfect Lamb of God. “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross... For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:2,32Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:2‑3).
ML-02/23/1969