Foreshadows In Exodus

By Danny Saavedra

“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”—Exodus 12:13 (NIV)

As we established a few days ago, the story of Jesus starts all the way back in Genesis. And just like in creation, all throughout the Old Testament, the Son of God is present, active, and revealing Himself to the watching world. The Book of Exodus has several instances where Jesus is seen in the foreshadowing of His future work!

Jesus, the Burning Bush

In Exodus 3, Moses sees a strange sight on Mount Horeb while out tending to his father-in-law’s flock . . . a bush consumed by flames, yet not burning up. The fire that burned but didn’t consume the bush is Jesus Christ, who became a man and made His dwelling among us (John 1) in order that He could make His dwelling within us, to set us ablaze with the all-consuming fire and glory of God (Hebrews 12:29).

In Exodus 3:14–15 (NIV, emphasis added), we read, “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”’ God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.’” Powerful stuff, right? Now, look at what Jesus said in John 8:58 (NIV, emphasis added): “Very truly I tell you, . . . before Abraham was born, I am!”

Jesus, the Passover Lamb

The final plague of Egypt was the plague on the firstborn. Exodus 11:4–7 (NIV) says, “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt . . . But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal.” Why? Because in Exodus 12:3,7 (NIV, emphasis added), they were instructed, “Tell the whole community of Israel . . . to take a lamb for his family . . . They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.”

The entire Passover celebration points to the saving work of Christ. Here’s something you may find interesting: The word used for feast is miqra, which also means “a rehearsal.” What an amazing picture! Passover was a rehearsal for the future to be celebrated every year—over and over—until, at the exact appointed time, the true fulfillment would come. And after 1,500 years of Passover celebrations, the hour had come. No more rehearsals, for the true Passover became reality when Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 NIV) was born!

Jesus, the Greater Moses

Moses was God’s chosen, the one who would deliver the people from their chains of slavery in Egypt and the mediator between Himself and His people. But he was merely a shadow of the One to come who would accomplish the plan and fulfill the promise, the One who would deliver us from our sins into the eternal kingdom of God and who would be our perfect mediator to God (1 Timothy 2:5–6).

The discipline of connecting with others is about being intentional in your relationships. Taking a walk is a simple and peaceful way to connect with both God and others! When you practice connecting, you can slow down and enjoy each other’s conversations. Today, go on a walk for at least 20 minutes with your family, roommates, or if it’s too last minute, go with God! Put away any technology and intentionally connect about life.

Conversation Starter Ideas

●What’s something you can thank God for today?

●What’s something that was hard about your day?

●How did you see or show the love of Jesus today?

●What’s something you want to pray for or ask God for help with?