DELIVERED FROM EGYPT
Exodus 12:21–32
The Exodus of the Jews from bondage in Egypt has several connections to the death of Jesus. The death of the Passover lamb was a command of God that liberated the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage.
John describes the death of Jesus as occurring at the same time as the death of the Passover lamb. Paul wrote, “For Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). And Peter highlights that the blood of Jesus was like the sacrifice of an “unblemished and spotless lamb” (1 Pet. 1:19).
Instruction (21–23)
Passover is the celebration of God’s mighty action in releasing the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The Bible is specific in the instructions for observing Passover because it provided an object lesson through which parents could teach the meaning of their faith to children. Passover observed the final plague experienced by the Egyptians. The instructions entailed slaughtering an animal and applying its blood on the lintel and doorposts of the house. The Hebrews were to stay inside their houses until the morning of the next day. The blood smeared on the lintel and doorposts perhaps was a sign of faithfulness, and death did not occur in the homes of the Israelite families.
What are some things that might hinder us from hearing God’s instruction?
Celebration (24–28)
Passover is a central focus on the Jewish calendar, just as the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are key for Christians. God commanded the Hebrews to observe Passover as a permanent practice of their faith. It commemorates when God judged the Egyptians and passed over the Israelites. The proper response to God’s mighty act of deliverance is to bow low and worship. The people demonstrated faith and worship by observing the command the Lord communicated through His servants Moses and Aaron. The passage underscores the parental responsibility to teach the faith to children. A New Testament example of adults teaching the Christian faith to others is 2 Timothy 2:2: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Why is it important for older generations to share God’s truth with younger generations?
Victory (29–32)
At midnight the Lord killed the firstborn male from all the class groups within Egyptian culture — from Pharaoh to the prisoner in the dungeon and even the livestock. The entire nation mourned the loss.
Pharaoh commanded the Hebrews to leave immediately and even to take their flocks. But Pharaoh requested something that shows that the Passover acted as something of a witness to him. He told Moses and Aaron to bless him. The Hebrew term translated “bless” has the connotation of a positive disposition or kind actions toward the recipient.
What victory are you trusting God to bring into your life? Why can you trust Him in that?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
