TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” Exodus 12:26-27
Read: Exodus 12:14-28
Listen: Exodus 12
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Passover celebration at the time of Jesus’s ministry brought thousands of people to Jerusalem from all over Israel. Groups might travel days to get there in time, hoping to find accommodation in the city or camp outside of it. Each family would bring or purchase a lamb to sacrifice at the temple. The sacrificed lamb would be cooked by the family for the Passover meal.
As they ate dinner, the father would get up and explain that they traveled so far to make this sacrifice and eat this food to remember the night God rescued their ancestors. They would eat a bitter herb to remember the bitterness of slavery their ancestors experienced. They would eat unleavened bread to remember how quickly they had to escape. They would eat the lamb to remember the lamb who was slain so God would pass over their ancestors’ houses. All of the meal was to remember and commemorate what God had done on their behalf.
This story is deeply important to the Israelites. It was THE STORY where they looked back to see God as rescuer. This same God who rescued the Israelites from slavery has rescued us. There is a lot to learn from this practice of remembering. God has done so much for us to remember and celebrate. May we take the time to recognize all he has done.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Each time you eat today, take a moment to remember. Whether alone or with friends, co-workers or family— remember and worship the God who rescues. Use each eating time to pause and intentionally thank and worship our great God. Then sing with Ada Bible Worship with the song, “Thank You, Lord.”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
