Here we are, finally at the Passover!! Make sure to read through this chapter three times. Give yourself time to ponder and pray through the following questions:
1. Chapter 12 divides up into five distinct sections (conceptually).
a. 12:1-13 Emphasis on the preparation of the lamb and the mindset of being ready to leave quickly. (preparedness)
b. 12:14-20 Emphasis on the restrictions on leaven during the seven day feast. (holiness)
c. 12:21-27 Emphasis on the application of the blood on the doors of the home and the meaning of the ritual. (protection)
d. 12:28-41 The description of what actually happened.
e. 12:42-51 Emphasis on the restriction of participation in the Passover Meal to only members of the covenant community. (relational)
What do you think sections a, b, c and e (d is the actual story surrounded by these descriptive passages) add to our understanding of the significance of this event? By surrounding the Passover (God's abatement of His wrath by virtue of split blood) with themes of preparedness, holiness, protection and relationship, what might God be telling us about Himself? About our relationship with Him? About His judgment?
2. In Exodus 12:12, the plagues are a demonstration against the first-born of all Egypt (humans and animals!) AND against the gods of the Egyptians. The last sentence in that verse is simply- "I am YHWH." Why against the first-born? What is God demonstrating? Why against the gods of Egypt? How tangible were the gods of Egypt compared to YHWH (at least at a surface level)? What do you think the effect of being surrounded for 430 years by temples and statues had on the minds of the Israelis? Have you ever seen God tear down a power structure (e.g. a government, a corrupt institution, an individual who was above the law, etc...). In a world where it seems that the powers-that-be are untouchable, where do people find hope? How does this text strengthen you?
3. Looking at texts like Luke 22:14-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 compare the Lord's Supper with the Passover Meal. How has the New Covenant transformed this OT ritual? How does that change your perspective on communion?
4. Little side notes- The word in 12:33 in which the "Egyptians urged the people to leave" is the word "chazaq", which was used of Pharaoh's solidifying heart. Also interesting is in 12:38 which notes that the first true "nation" of Israel was made up of a "mixed multitude", that is Egyptians, Nubians, etc... Even in the original creation of the people of Israel, there was a latent emphasis on mission- reaching all the nations.