While there are earlier writings which make similar typological connections, Melito of Sardis’ Homily on the Passover is the earliest solely dedicated to the subject. This late second century work exhibits an advanced Christology, offers a wonderful exegesis of the Passover, and emphasizes the Recapitulation and Chrisus Victor views of the atonement.

Here are a few gems:

For the one who was born as Son, and led to slaughter as a lamb, and sacrificed as a sheep, and buried as a man, rose up from the dead as God, since he is by nature both God and man (8).

the death of the sheep became the life of the people. For its blood warded off the angel…Clearly, you were turned away because you saw the mystery of the Lord taking place in the sheep, the life of the Lord in the sacrifice of the sheep, the type of the Lord in the death of the sheep (31-33).  

Therefore, come, all families of men, you who have been befouled with sins, and receive forgiveness for your sins. I am your forgiveness, I am the passover of your salvation, I am the lamb which was sacrificed for you, I am your ransom, I am your light, I am your saviour, I am your resurrection, I am your king, I am leading you up to the heights of heaven, I will show you the eternal Father, I will raise you up by my right hand (103).

Invest twenty minutes of your life and read the Homily in its entirety! May God bless you this Holy Week.