Exodus 12

The tenth plague is told in much more detail than the previous nine. It includes explicit instructions for behavior of the Israelites in order that they may avoid the plague. As I recall, they were saved from the other plagues purely through God's grace and not through any great actions on their own part.

With the tenth plague also came instructions to remember this day -- the Passover -- when their homes were passed over and, unlike the Egyptians, they were spared the death of each firstborn. In particular is the reminder to eat unleavened bread which was going to be necessary as the Jews started their trek into the desert.

All of their homes were to be marked by the blood of the lamb in order to save themselves from the tenth plague. The blood was to be an ongoing reminder of their redemption out of slavery to man.

And, in His final passover meal with His followers, Jesus told them to remember a different kind of blood -- His own -- which was soon to be shed. It would from there foreward be a reminder of our redemption out of slavery to sin.

When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It's the last one I'll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God."

Taking the cup, he blessed it, then said, "Take this and pass it among you. As for me, I'll not drink wine again until the kingdom of God arrives."

Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory."

He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you. (Luke 22:14-20, The Message)