Read: Exodus 12:1-50, John 1:29
The plagues that precede and include the Passover were specifically pointed to show that the gods that the Egyptians trusted in had no power whatsoever. Four of these plagues were events in which the animals, supposedly guardians of the Egyptian population, turned into extremely troublesome or dangerous attackers (frogs, lice, wild beasts and locusts). Three of them subjected the ‘god-like’ animals to bouts of sickness (pestilence, boils) or devastation (hail) which, in the latter case, required human protection. Two of the plagues reduced Egyptian gods to a state of powerlessness in which they could not bestow their normal divine favors (Nile water turned into blood; darkness extinguishing Ra’s light). The last plague threatened and slew Egypt’s firstborn, man and beast. This would include Pharaoh himself, because it was usually the firstborn who inherited the throne and who, as noted above, was thought to be the child of Egypt’s foremost deity.
This last “plague” is where we find the Passover. In the middle of what would have seemed like chaos God is communicating an important truth to his people that have forgotten him. “I can save you” says God, “I have power over death, but what I do require is holiness and that you listen to what I say. If you do as I instruct you will be saved and can even be spared from death.” The whole process of eating the animal in obedience to the Passover regulations was an act of faith and obedience, involving faith in God’s gracious provision of the holiness that no human himself or herself can provide and obedience to a process that showed confidence in God’s true promises and requirements. This is an incredibly important theme and one that the people of God will be reminded of as their story continues and that we ultimately see lived out, once again, in the person of Jesus.
Questions
- What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s passage?
- What does this passage tell us about the Passover lamb? What would it accomplish for the Israelites?
- Why were the Israelites commanded to celebrate the Passover every year?
- How does John 1:29 connect with Exodus 12?
- Have you ever experienced God speaking truth to you in the midst of chaos? What happened?
- What is your salvation story? How do you celebrate it in your life?
Supporting Resources