Eden, Exodus & the Empty TombНамуна

GOD'S REDEMPTIVE PLAN IN EXODUS

The Captive: Israelites Enslaved In Egypt

“And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt...” (Exod. 12:17a). Due to famine, Jacob's sons, the future leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel, migrated to Egypt. Over time, Egypt's leadership turned against the Israelites, enslaving them. Their liberation would require divine intervention!

The Child: Death Of The Firstborn

“For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt...” (Exodus 12:12a). Working through Moses, God initiated a rescue plan to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. After multiple warnings and nine plagues failed to convince Pharaoh, the devastating 10th plague – the death of the firstborn – finally led to their liberation. Similarly, the death of God's firstborn and only Son, Jesus, secured our freedom from sin.

The Sacrifice: The Passover Lamb

“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you...” (Exod. 12:13a). Through the sacrifice of a lamb and the placement of blood on the doorpost, the Israelites would be protected from death. Similarly, when we place our faith in Jesus, the Lamb of God, His blood covers us and shields us from spiritual death.

The Mission: Recognize God‘s Faithfulness

“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast” (Exodus 12:14). Jewish people celebrate this miracle, now known as Passover, because death 'passed over' them, and they continue to observe it to this day. For Christians, this moment foreshadows Jesus, who died and conquered death during Passover weekend, more than 1,000 years after the events of Exodus 12!

Big Idea

The Passover celebrates Israel’s liberation from Egypt and points towards the ultimate freedom we receive through Jesus' sacrifice.

LET'S THINK ABOUT THIS

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Exodus 12:1-17?

Question #2: Why is understanding Israel’s escape from Egypt important for understanding the Easter story?

Question #3: Have you experienced a moment when God set you free? If so, what was that experience like?