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REVIEW
A New Beginning Together
Exodus 12:1–32 | Russ Muse
After nine plagues, Pharaoh still refused to let Israel go. Before the tenth and final plague—the death of the firstborn—God prepared His people not only for deliverance, but for a completely new way of life.
The chapter unfolds in four movements:
- God speaks to Moses and Aaron (vv. 1–20). God gives instructions for the first Passover. Every household is to sacrifice a lamb, mark the doorposts with its blood, eat unleavened bread, and roast the lamb in a quick, simple way. They are to eat dressed and ready to leave immediately. God also establishes the Passover as a lasting memorial.
- Moses and Aaron speak to the elders (vv. 21–28). The instructions are passed on exactly as God gave them. Before experiencing deliverance, the people bow their heads and worship, trusting God would do what He promised. Future generations will ask about the Passover, creating opportunities to tell the story of God’s faithfulness.
- The elders speak to the people. God’s Word is faithfully passed from leader to leader until every household knows how to respond.
- Everything God said comes to pass (vv. 29–32). The Lord passes over the homes marked by the blood, judgment falls on Egypt, and Pharaoh finally sends Israel out.
While Christians rightly see the Passover lamb as pointing to Jesus, the Israelites first understood it as God’s provision to rescue them from slavery. God wasn’t just saving individuals—He was redeeming a people.
Two invitations emerge from this chapter:
- Don’t choose to return to bondage. God rescued Israel to live in freedom. Likewise, Colossians 1:9–13 reminds us that we have been rescued from darkness and brought into Christ’s kingdom. We are not only forgiven—we are delivered.
- Experience the joy of God’s power together. God’s rescue was always meant to be shared. As His people worship, remember, obey, and walk together, they experience His power together.
The Passover was never simply about escaping death—it was about stepping into a new identity. God still calls His people to leave bondage behind, walk together in freedom, and become a living testimony of His redeeming power to the world.
REMEMBER
The God who rescues His people also calls them to walk together in freedom.
REFLECT
Read Colossians 1:9–13. Paul says we’ve been rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into Christ’s kingdom. In what area of your life might God be inviting you to stop living as though you’re still in bondage and begin walking in the freedom He has already given you?
Take a closer look at the two charts below. What stands out to you about the progression of the Passover account and God’s instructions? What do these visual summaries reveal about God’s heart, His people, and His plan that you may have missed on a first reading?
The Israelites worshiped before they saw their deliverance. Where is God inviting you to trust and worship Him today, even before you see Him move?
Word of the week: FREEDOM
RESPOND
Father,
Thank You for rescuing me,
not only from sin,
but into new life with You.
Give me the courage
to leave bondage behind
and walk in the freedom You provide.
Teach me to trust,
to worship before I see,
and to walk faithfully with Your people.
May my life tell
the story of Your redeeming power.
Amen.
RELATE
Share with someone how you have seen God bring freedom, strength, or hope into your life. Then ask them, “Where do you need to be reminded of God’s power and presence right now?” and take time to pray for one another.
REHEARSE
And when I see the blood I will pass over you … Exodus 12:13b
READ
Revisit: Exodus 12:1-32
Read ahead: Exodus 12:33-13:16
