The Lamb Is Selected: The Master Nears Jerusalem

Spring, c. 33 AD

The Lamb Is Selected: The Master Nears Jerusalem

As the 10th of Nisan dawns, families across Israel are fulfilling the ancient command to select an unblemished lamb for the upcoming Passover. Simultaneously, Jesus of Nazareth is preparing to make His move. The ultimate 'Lamb of God' is stepping onto the stage of redemption, preparing to ride down the Mount of Olives and present Himself to the capital.

The timing is no coincidence. While priests inspect sheep in the temple courts, the Son of God is preparing to endure the intense inspection of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Romans over the next few days. They will question His authority, His theology, and His politics, yet they will find no fault in Him. The Lamb is ready.

"Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, 'On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves... a lamb for each household.'"
— Exodus 12:3 (LSB)

Timeline Box: The 10th of Nisan is the biblically mandated day for selecting the Passover lamb, aligning perfectly with Jesus' presentation to Jerusalem.

Prophetic Era, c. 573 BC

Ezekiel’s Vision Of The City Of God

On the 25th year of the exile, on the 10th day of the month, Ezekiel was given a vision of the future restoration of God’s dwelling with man. This vision, given on "Selection Day," reminds the exiles that God has selected them for a future and a hope, offering a detailed blueprint of a new temple and a holy city.

"In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month... the hand of Yahweh was upon me and He brought me there."
— Ezekiel 40:1 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Ezekiel 40:1 dates this major vision to the 10th of Nisan.

Mosaic Era, 1405 BC

Israel Enters The Promised Land At Last

Forty years to the day after leaving Egypt, the feet of the Israelites have stepped onto the soil of Canaan. The entire nation has crossed the dry bed of the Jordan River and encamped at Gilgal, looking out toward the walls of Jericho. The wilderness wanderings are officially over; the era of the conquest has begun.

"Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and encamped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho."
— Joshua 4:19 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Joshua 4:19 explicitly dates the entry into the land to the 10th of Nisan.

Editorial: Selected For Salvation

Selection Day is a day of destiny. God selected a day for Israel to enter the land; He selected a day for Ezekiel to see the future; and He selected the Lamb to save our souls. Being "selected" means being set apart for a specific, holy purpose.

When a Hebrew family selected a lamb, they brought it into their home, observing its perfection before it became their substitute. Over the next few days, the world will observe the perfection of Jesus Christ. As we walk through this Passion Week, let us closely examine the Lamb of God, marveling at His sinless nature and His willingness to be the sacrifice for our ultimate deliverance.

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