Exodus 12:21–28 “The Blood of the Passover Lamb”

Exodus 12:21-28 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Charity Gayle – Thank You Jesus for the Blood
• Jesus Paid It All
• Crowder – Come As You Are

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• What is the Passover Lamb? – Lesson for Kids
• There is Power in the Blood | HLA Wilderness Escape | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Northview Kids – NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD – Song for Kids
• Praise | Motion Video – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Moses summoned the elders of Israel and conveyed God’s instructions concerning the Passover sacrifice (v. 21). He told them to take the blood of the lamb or goat, dip a bundle of hyssop into it, and apply it to the top and sides of the doorframe (v. 22). The instruction to use a bundle of hyssop dipped in blood was an addition Moses emphasized. When the stalks of the hyssop plant (known in Korean as “Soe-mu-reup”) are cut and dried, they become useful household tools. In the Old Testament, hyssop was primarily used in sacrificial rituals to apply or sprinkle blood. Moses also gave a strong warning that no one should go outside until morning on the night the Passover began. This was the only way to avoid the plague that would fall upon the Egyptians (v. 23).

At the same time, Moses instructed them to continue observing the Passover every year after entering the land of Canaan so that the people would remember what the Lord had done for Israel (vv. 24–25). When future generations who had not experienced the Exodus ask, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” (v. 26), they were to explain the works the Lord had done for their ancestors (v. 27).

After hearing all of Moses’ instructions, the elders of Israel “bowed down and worshiped the Lord” on the spot. When one realizes God’s grace, the natural response is to bow down and worship Him. They conveyed Moses’ instructions to the people who obeyed them just as they were told (v. 28).

Meditation:

Today’s passage tells us that the Israelites heard Moses’ instructions and obeyed them. Later in the chapter, it emphasizes, “All the Israelites did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron” (v. 50). In biblical writing, the adjective “all” often does not mean “without exception,” but rather “the majority.” There must have been some among them who did not follow through because they couldn’t believe what Moses and Aaron had told them.

Reflecting on it, we see that what Moses proclaimed from God is difficult to accept. Among the Egyptians, surely there were many good and righteous people—yet God’s judgment fell on them indiscriminately. Likewise, among the Israelites, there must have been many who were wicked and deserving of punishment, yet they were spared simply because the blood of a lamb or goat had been applied to their doorframes. It’s also hard to imagine that God would judge so severely. And the method Moses instructed seemed almost superstitious or magical. Those who were more analytical or skeptical likely became stuck in these doubts and, in their hesitation, ended up facing the tragic loss of their firstborn.

These objections mentioned above are the same familiar arguments often heard when sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as some found it hard to believe that the blood of a slain animal could bring salvation, many today struggle to accept the idea that the blood of a young Jewish man could save them. The idea that simply believing and obeying leads to salvation doesn’t seem fair. It seems more just that each person’s salvation is determined by evaluating their individual merits and deeds.

But when we cross our arms and try to reason with our limited human minds, the message of salvation through the blood of the cross becomes a “stumbling block” or “foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet, when we open our hearts and receive that gospel, it becomes “the power of God that brings salvation” (Romans 1:16).

Prayer:

Looking back now, it is truly a miracle that I was able to receive the gospel and embrace the mystery of the blood. Thank You, Lord, for making us just foolish enough not to reject the gospel. Help us remember that our wisdom is no match for Your “foolishness,” and may we respond to Your Word wholeheartedly, “Amen,” and in obedient faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God saves us not because we are good, but because we trust in the blood of the Lamb. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelites, we are saved through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. God’s grace may seem strange or hard to understand at first, but it becomes life-giving power when we accept it with open hearts.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What did the Israelites put on their doorposts to be safe? (Why do you think God told them to do that?)
  • Do you think it would be easy or hard to believe that lamb’s blood could save you? Why?
  • Jesus is called the “Lamb of God.” What do you think that means?
    
• For Youth
  
  
  • Why do you think some Israelites might have hesitated to follow Moses’ instructions, even though they came from God?
  • What makes the message of salvation through Jesus’ blood hard to understand or accept for some people?
  • How can we learn to say “Amen” and trust God’s way, even when it doesn’t make perfect sense to our minds?