The text for this lesson is Exodus 11–12
Key Point
- Christ is our Passover Lamb, whose blood was shed for our forgiveness, life, and salvation.
- Law: As a sinner, I fear death.
- Gospel: In Christ, I look forward to eternal life; I no longer have to fear death.
Discussion Points
- Think of and discuss a ritual meal, such as Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Easter dinner, or even a special meal to celebrate a birthday. What kinds of foods do we associate with each ritual meal? What connection does the food have with the meaning of the occasion?
- In Exodus 11:1–3, God instructed Moses to have the Hebrews ask for silver and gold from the Egyptians, and He “gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians.” Why did God choose this means of providing for His people? How would the Israelites later misuse this gift of God’s provision in Exodus 32:1–6?
- After one last time in Pharaoh’s presence, Moses “went out from Pharaoh in hot anger” (11:8). What accounts for Moses’ final and severe response to Pharaoh (see 11:9–10)?
- Read Exodus 12:1–14. Focus on the details of the lamb itself and what the Israelites were instructed to do with the lamb. Now read 1 Corinthians 5:7.
- Why did God choose to strike down “the firstborn” of the land of Egypt? See Leviticus 27:26; Genesis 22:2, 13–14; John 3:16–18; and 1 John 4:9.
- The best meaning of the Passover story for us Christians is given in 1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Because of Jesus Christ, how has death “passed over” us that we may live? See Romans 6:3–11; 2 Timothy 1:8–10; and Romans 5:10.
- In the Passover story, we see God delivering His people from their bondage in Egypt and giving them a meal with which to celebrate that deliverance. Discuss how the Lord’s Supper—the Christian’s Passover meal—is our meal of deliverance. How does it actually deliver us from our bondage to sin, death, and the devil? How is it a celebration of the deliverance that God gives in His Son, Jesus Christ? See Matthew 26:17, 26–28; Luke 22:7, 14–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:23–26; and John 6:53–57.
