Chapter 2 of 7
Long before Jesus was born, God rescued a family, then a whole nation, from hunger and from slavery in Egypt. Each rescue was a picture of the bigger rescue to come.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.
Luke 24:27 (BSB)
After He rose from the dead, Jesus walked with two friends and showed them how the books of Moses were about Him. Here are some of those stories.
So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Genesis 37:28 (BSB)
Joseph’s own brothers sold him to traders on their way to Egypt. It looked like the worst day of his life. But God was with Joseph, even there.
Talk about itHas anyone ever been unkind to you? Where was God then?
So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure.
Genesis 41:49 (BSB)
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
Genesis 50:20 (BSB)
God gave Joseph wisdom to save grain before a famine came, and the grain fed many people, even his brothers. What they meant for evil, God meant for good. At the cross God did the same thing in the biggest way: something evil became the way He saves us.
Talk about itCan you think of a time when something hard turned into something good?
But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Exodus 2:3 (BSB)
Pharaoh wanted the Hebrew baby boys thrown into the Nile. Moses’ mother made a little basket from the same papyrus reeds, sealed it with tar, and trusted God with her son. God kept Moses safe so that one day He could use him to set His people free.
Talk about itWho are the people who keep you safe? Thank God for them.
“You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw.
Exodus 5:7 (BSB)
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.
Exodus 3:7 (BSB)
God’s people were slaves, made to make bricks all day, and then told to find their own straw too. But God saw. God heard. God knew. He still sees people who are hurting today.
Talk about itWho do you know who is having a hard time? How could you help?
After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”
Exodus 5:1 (BSB)
Moses walked into the palace of the most powerful king on earth with a message from God: let My people go. Pharaoh said no again and again, but no king can stop God’s rescue. Jesus came to set us free from something stronger than Pharaoh: sin and death.
Talk about itWhy do you think Pharaoh did not want to listen?
The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a sign; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Exodus 12:13 (BSB)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29 (BSB)
On the night of the first Passover, each family put the blood of a lamb on their doorframe, and death passed over that house. Later, John the Baptist pointed at Jesus and called Him the Lamb of God. Jesus gave His life so that everyone who trusts in Him is safe.
Talk about itWhy do you think John called Jesus a lamb?
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:13-14 (BSB)
Pharaoh’s army raced after God’s people in chariots, and the sea was in front of them. There was no way out, until God made one. He opened the sea and brought them through on dry ground. When we feel stuck, God can make a way too.
Talk about itWhat does it mean to be still and let God fight for you?
Before you go
Say this verse together a few times. Can you say it without looking?
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 (BSB)
Pray: Lord, You are the God who rescues. Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us. Help us trust You and be still. Amen.