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This lesson highlights how the Exodus narrative connects to the gospel, showing Christ as the true Deliverer. 

Outline of the Lesson

1. Introduction: The Importance of the Exodus

• The Exodus is one of the most significant events in the Old Testament.
• It is referenced throughout the Bible as a picture of salvation.
• Jesus, Paul, and the prophets all use the Exodus to illustrate God’s power to redeem.
• Understanding the Exodus deepens our understanding of Christ’s mission.

2. Israel’s Oppression in Egypt (Exodus 1)

• The Israelites multiply and become numerous in Egypt.
• A new Pharaoh arises who does not remember Joseph.
• Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites out of fear that they will become too powerful.
• The Hebrews are forced into hard labor, building Egyptian cities.

3. The Birth and Calling of Moses (Exodus 2-4)

• Moses is born during a time of intense persecution.
• His mother places him in a basket in the Nile, and Pharaoh’s daughter adopts him.
• Moses grows up in Pharaoh’s court but later kills an Egyptian and flees to Midian.
• God calls Moses from the burning bush to deliver His people.
• Moses resists the call, making excuses about his ability to lead.
• God reassures Moses, giving him signs and Aaron as a spokesman.

4. Pharaoh’s Resistance and the Hardening of His Heart (Exodus 5-7)

• Moses and Aaron demand that Pharaoh let Israel go, but he refuses.
• Pharaoh increases the labor for the Israelites, making them resent Moses.
• God tells Moses that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart.
• The concept of hardening:
  • Sometimes Pharaoh hardens his own heart.
  • Sometimes God hardens it further.
  • God’s judgment is both allowing and reinforcing Pharaoh’s rebellion.

5. The Ten Plagues and God’s Power Over Egypt (Exodus 7-12)

• The plagues are direct judgments against Egypt’s false gods.
• Each plague undermines an aspect of Egypt’s religious system:
  • The Nile turning to blood—judgment on their river god.
  • Frogs, lice, and flies—attacks on fertility and nature gods.
  • Hail, locusts, and darkness—God controlling the weather and sun.
  • Death of the firstborn—God showing authority over life and death.
• The plagues escalate in severity, showing Pharaoh’s increasing stubbornness.

6. The Passover: A Picture of Christ (Exodus 12)

• God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and place its blood on their doorposts.
• The angel of death passes over homes marked by the blood.
• The Passover becomes a lasting memorial of God’s deliverance.
• Jesus is later identified as the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
• John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
• The Lord’s Supper is instituted during Passover, reinforcing the connection to Christ.

7. The Exodus as a Pattern of Salvation

• Israel’s deliverance from Egypt mirrors spiritual salvation:
  • Slavery in Egypt represents bondage to sin.
  • Moses as a deliverer foreshadows Christ.
  • The crossing of the Red Sea symbolizes baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).
  • The journey to the Promised Land reflects the Christian walk.
• The Exodus is the foundation for later biblical themes of redemption.

8. Pharaoh’s Pursuit and the Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

• After releasing Israel, Pharaoh changes his mind and chases them.
• Israel is trapped at the Red Sea, and the people panic.
• God commands Moses to stretch out his staff, parting the sea.
• Israel crosses on dry ground, but Pharaoh’s army is destroyed.
• The Red Sea crossing is the defining moment of Israel’s deliverance.

9. Application: What We Learn from the Exodus

• God is faithful to His promises, even when deliverance seems impossible.
• God judges sin but provides salvation for those who trust Him.
• Christ is the greater Moses, leading His people out of bondage.
• The Passover and the Exodus foreshadow Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
• Trusting God means believing in His power to save, even in hopeless situations.

10. Assignments and Next Steps

• Read Exodus 1-15 to follow the full story of Israel’s deliverance.
• Study how the New Testament connects Jesus to Moses (Hebrews 3, John 6:32-35).
• Compare the Passover with Christ’s crucifixion in Matthew 26 and 1 Corinthians 5:7.
• Look into how each plague corresponds to an Egyptian deity.

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Key Takeaways

• The Exodus is a foundational event, shaping Israel’s identity and pointing to Christ.
• Pharaoh’s hardened heart demonstrates both human rebellion and divine judgment.
• The plagues reveal God’s power over false gods and His authority over creation.
• The Passover foreshadows Jesus as the Lamb whose blood saves from judgment.
• The Red Sea crossing represents complete deliverance, just as salvation in Christ frees us from sin.

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Delivered 11/11/20