Exodus 11:1-13:16

Dear Parents,

On Sunday, Jan. 6, in Children’s Church, we went back to the beginning. Since we jumped ahead in God’s wonderful story to Jesus (our Savior, what God's story is all about) during the Christmas weeks; it was important to review and bring the kids back to where we left off with Moses in Egypt. We were reminded of the 9 plagues that God put on Egypt. We talked about what God wanted to show the Israelites and the Egyptians through these powerful acts. God wanted everyone to know “He is God!”  Each child was given a clue as to what the 10^th and final plague was going to be. They would find out in Sunday School. Ask them what the clue was and what it represented. They were also challenged to find out how the 10^th and final plague relates to the Easter story. I look forward to the kids coming back to Children’s Church this week and telling me.

In Sunday School, the kids dealt with the final plague God brought upon the Egyptians. This story has a clear message regarding the importance of Christ and His presence with people. Talk with your kids about the events of the Passover. Ask them to think about how they might have felt if they were living in Egypt during that time. Moses led the people to honor God, and by so doing, the people of Israel were saved from the hand of the Egyptians.

This week your kids learned that God rescued His people from the hands of the Egyptians by the shedding of blood. The sacrifice of a lamb for the blood to go over the doorpost was the only thing that kept the family inside safe from the wrath of God. God provided a much more important lamb for us, Himself—the Lamb of God. Through the shedding of Jesus’ blood, we no longer have to face the punishment of eternal separation from God because of our sin. Jesus died so we wouldn’t have to.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Exodus 11:1-13:16

 Big Picture Question: Why is the Passover important? The Passover was the way God chose to save His people and is a picture of Christ’s sacrifice for sinners.

Key passage: “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am Yahweh your God, who delivered you from the forced labor of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:7

 Christ Connection: By His grace, God spared the Israelites from judgment by requiring the blood of a lamb. Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, and those who trust in Christ are under His saving blood and will be passed over in the final judgment. 

Family task: If everyone in your family is a Christian, consider hosting a family Lord’s Supper. Otherwise, have unleavened bread and juice as part of a meal. Talk about how these elements were part of the Passover meal and what they mean as part of the Lord’s Supper. Let the kids draw the elements you shared.

Next week's lesson:  Exodus 13:17-17:7