God's Deliverance: The Significance of Passover and Communion
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, to our service today. We are thrilled to celebrate the baptism of Sophia and the 28 years of service by Michael Scherer. Today, we continue our series on the book of Exodus, focusing on the final plague and the institution of the Passover. Pharaoh's question, "Who is the Lord that I should obey his commands?" is answered through the plagues, demonstrating God's supreme power and authority. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, leads to the institution of the Passover, a lasting ordinance for the Israelites.
God's patience is evident as He gives Pharaoh multiple chances to repent. However, justice must be served, and the final plague is a testament to God's authority and the necessity of obedience. The Passover is not just a historical event but a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts symbolizes the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
The Passover meal is a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and a call to live rightly before Him. It is a reliving of the event, a reuniting of the community, and a redirecting of our lives. Just as the Israelites were to eat the meal with their cloaks tucked in and sandals on, ready to leave Egypt, we too must be ready to respond to God's call without delay.
The Passover points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, connecting it directly to the Passover. This new memorial is a remembrance of His body and blood, given for our salvation. We are to observe this until He comes again, proclaiming His death and resurrection.
As we partake in communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and look forward to His return. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith and keeps us focused on the hope we have in Christ. Let us not take this lightly but approach it with reverence and gratitude, understanding the depth of God's love and the significance of His sacrifice.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Patience and Justice: God gave Pharaoh multiple chances to repent before executing the final plague. This demonstrates God's patience and His desire for all to come to repentance. However, justice must be served, and God's authority must be acknowledged. We too are given chances daily to turn to God and live according to His will. [31:42]
2. The Significance of the Passover: The Passover is a powerful reminder of God's deliverance. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts symbolizes the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. This event foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and calls us to live in obedience and gratitude. [36:03]
3. Reliving and Remembering: The Passover meal was designed to relive the event of God's deliverance. This act of remembrance was to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the story of God's salvation was never forgotten. Similarly, our observance of communion is a reliving of Christ's sacrifice, reminding us of His love and our redemption. [44:18]
4. Community and Unity: The Passover meal brought the community together, uniting them in their common identity as God's chosen people. In the same way, communion unites us as the body of Christ, reminding us that we are all dependent on the blood of Jesus for our salvation. This unity strengthens our faith and our witness to the world. [54:41]
5. Remembering Forward: The concept of "remembering forward" means that our remembrance of God's past actions should influence our future actions. As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, we are called to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to the world. This remembrance keeps us focused on the hope we have in Christ and motivates us to live faithfully. [01:00:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:25] - God's Answer to Pharaoh
[30:07] - The Final Plague and Passover
[31:42] - God's Patience and Justice
[33:13] - Instructions for the Passover
[36:03] - The Blood of the Lamb
[37:14] - Jesus, the Lamb of God
[38:32] - God's Plan and Purpose
[39:46] - Annual Memorial of Passover
[44:18] - Reliving the Event
[45:30] - Remembering God's Deliverance
[49:39] - The Importance of Immediate Response
[51:22] - Teaching Future Generations
[52:56] - Reuniting the Community
[54:41] - Unity in Christ
[56:04] - Annual Feast in Jerusalem
[57:10] - Common Identity in Christ
[58:44] - Redirecting Our Lives
[01:00:08] - Remembering Forward
[01:01:32] - God's Faithfulness
[01:03:02] - The Lord's Supper
[01:04:51] - Jesus' Sacrifice
[01:06:25] - Proclaiming the Lord's Death
[01:07:53] - Worthy Manner of Partaking
[01:09:29] - Importance of Regular Remembrance
[01:11:00] - Breaking Bread
[01:12:14] - Early Church Practices
[01:13:23] - The Wages of Sin
[01:14:47] - Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
[01:16:28] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:17:53] - Baptism of Abigail
[01:21:36] - Welcoming New Members
[01:22:47] - Prayer Requests
[01:24:14] - Communion Preparation
[01:25:35] - Communion
[01:28:41] - Closing Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 11:1-10 - The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn
2. Exodus 12:1-14 - The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper
### Observation Questions
1. What was the final plague that God brought upon Egypt, and what was its significance? ([30:07])
2. How were the Israelites instructed to prepare and eat the Passover meal? ([33:13])
3. What does the blood of the lamb on the doorposts symbolize in the context of the Passover? ([36:03])
4. According to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what did Jesus say the bread and the cup represent during the Last Supper?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the final plague demonstrate both God's patience and His justice? ([31:42])
2. In what ways does the Passover foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? ([37:14])
3. How does the act of reliving the Passover meal help the Israelites remember God's deliverance? ([44:18])
4. What is the significance of "remembering forward" in the context of both the Passover and the Lord's Supper? ([01:00:08])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's patience in your life. How did it impact your relationship with Him? ([31:42])
2. The Passover meal was a communal event that united the Israelites. How can you foster a sense of community and unity within your small group or church? ([54:41])
3. The Israelites were instructed to be ready to leave Egypt at a moment's notice. Are there areas in your life where you need to be more responsive to God's call? ([34:30])
4. How can the practice of communion help you stay focused on the hope you have in Christ? ([01:06:25])
5. "Remembering forward" means letting past experiences with God influence your future actions. How can you apply this concept in your daily walk with Christ? ([01:00:08])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of teaching future generations about God's deliverance. What are some practical ways you can pass on your faith to the next generation? ([51:22])
7. How can you approach the Lord's Supper with a heart of reverence and gratitude, fully understanding the depth of God's love and the significance of His sacrifice? ([01:07:53])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Patience and Justice
God's patience is evident as He gives Pharaoh multiple chances to repent before executing the final plague. This demonstrates God's desire for all to come to repentance, but it also underscores the necessity of justice and the acknowledgment of God's authority. Pharaoh's repeated refusals to obey God's commands led to the final, devastating plague—the death of the firstborn. This act was not just a display of power but a necessary step to fulfill God's plan for the Israelites' deliverance. We too are given chances daily to turn to God and live according to His will. Understanding God's patience should inspire us to seek repentance and live in obedience, recognizing that justice will ultimately be served. [31:42]
Exodus 34:6-7 (ESV): "The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been ignoring God's call to repentance? How can you respond to His patience today by turning back to Him?
Day 2: The Significance of the Passover
The Passover is a powerful reminder of God's deliverance. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts symbolizes the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. This event foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and calls us to live in obedience and gratitude. The Israelites were instructed to observe the Passover as a lasting ordinance, a memorial of God's saving power. This historical event is not just a story from the past but a living reminder of God's faithfulness and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the Passover, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the significance of Christ's sacrifice. [36:03]
1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (ESV): "Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."
Reflection: How does the symbolism of the Passover lamb deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice? What steps can you take to live in obedience and gratitude for His ultimate sacrifice?
Day 3: Reliving and Remembering
The Passover meal was designed to relive the event of God's deliverance. This act of remembrance was to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the story of God's salvation was never forgotten. Similarly, our observance of communion is a reliving of Christ's sacrifice, reminding us of His love and our redemption. By partaking in communion, we are not only remembering a historical event but also experiencing a spiritual reality that unites us with Christ and with one another. This practice strengthens our faith and keeps us focused on the hope we have in Christ. [44:18]
Deuteronomy 6:20-21 (ESV): "When your son asks you in time to come, 'What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?' then you shall say to your son, 'We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.'"
Reflection: How can you make the act of communion more meaningful in your life? What specific steps can you take to ensure that the story of God's salvation is passed down to future generations?
Day 4: Community and Unity
The Passover meal brought the community together, uniting them in their common identity as God's chosen people. In the same way, communion unites us as the body of Christ, reminding us that we are all dependent on the blood of Jesus for our salvation. This unity strengthens our faith and our witness to the world. As we gather to partake in communion, we are reminded that we are not alone in our faith journey. We are part of a larger community that shares the same hope and salvation in Christ. This sense of unity is essential for our spiritual growth and our ability to impact the world around us. [54:41]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How does participating in communion with your church community strengthen your faith? What can you do to foster a greater sense of unity within your church?
Day 5: Remembering Forward
The concept of "remembering forward" means that our remembrance of God's past actions should influence our future actions. As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, we are called to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to the world. This remembrance keeps us focused on the hope we have in Christ and motivates us to live faithfully. By looking back at what God has done, we gain the strength and perspective to move forward in our faith journey. This forward-looking remembrance is not just about recalling past events but about allowing those events to shape our present and future lives. [01:00:08]
Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Reflection: How can you let the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice influence your daily actions and decisions? What specific changes can you make in your life to better reflect His love to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You see, God is a patient God. He's given them a chance. After chance, after chance, just like all of us in this room today have been given by God chance after chance to surrender to his call on our lives. Every day of life is another chance that God gives all of us to listen and to surrender and to turn our lives over to him." [31:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God does not act hastily. He does not react in anger. He has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens. And part of that plan, and purpose, the Bible says, he's not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. That's what God wants." [31:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can live with that assurance of the victory of the covering of the blood of Jesus every day. We don't have to be afraid of the coming of Christ or our exit from this world into the next because of the covering of the blood of Jesus." [42:52] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When God makes his offer of salvation through the covering of the blood of Jesus, we need to go when we have the opportunity to go and we need to go when we have the opportunity to go. Don't need to wait, we don't need to put it off, we need to respond quickly." [48:18] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are lost without the covering of the blood of Jesus, but because you have come under the blood of Jesus and I have come under the blood of Jesus, that brings us together as family and community in Christ." [54:41] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God is saying to the Israelites, if those homes don't have the blood...even in that Israelite home... what's going to happen? If so...that firstborn Son in that household...will die too. You see, they weren't innocent either. We've talked about that in the earlier auditions. This series like none of us are innocent either. What does the Bible say about all of us? We've all what? Sinned. We all come short of the perfect glory of God. All of us. So all of us need this covering, don't we? The covering of the blood of the lamb that sacrificed for our behalf." [36:03] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's purpose for Israel was that they would point the world to the Messiah when he came through all that he was doing with them as a people and setting them apart as a people. And even the hard things like this slavery in Egypt, even the hard things like the plagues that they had to go through, God is using it all to point people to him through what he's doing with them." [38:32] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The first purpose of the Passover feast is that it is to relive the event. By doing this memorial meal that they were going to be doing from that point on, they would be reliving the events of the Passover." [44:18] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The people of God are drawn together in community by the Passover meal originally observed in Egypt and then it was observed in the wilderness they traveled to go to the land that God was taking them to. The Passover meal was designed to be eaten in the individual homes of the people so their family would get together and have this meal together. It was a bringing of the community together to celebrate the Passover." [52:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The people of God are redirected by Passover to live rightly before God when he instructs Israel on the feast of the Passover and of the unleavened bread. Moses tells the Israelites this in Exodus 13 beginning with a sign: this observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that this law of the Lord is to be on your lips for the Lord brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand." [58:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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