Four days. That is how long the Israelite families were to take in the lamb they had chosen for the Passover. Why four days? Why not choose this lamb right before the Passover? One reason seems to be allowing time for the families to observe the lamb and notice any defects that would disqualify it from being a worthy sacrifice. But there is another potential reason: attachment.

God may have wanted the families to get to know this lamb. Perhaps even to love it. Because in doing so, they would appreciate the sacrifice of this lamb even more. Saving the life of the firstborn came at a cost – and it wasn’t paid by just a lamb pulled randomly from the flock – it was by a lamb that they had come to know.

If so, this is yet another layer of complexity and beauty of the picture of the Gospel the Passover painted. Our salvation did not come from a random person. Our sacrifice was provided by the spotless Lamb of God whom we know and love.

• How does your love for Christ deepen your appreciation of the Cross?