CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Exodus 12:29–42.

2. The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for 400 years, waiting for rescue. Think about the tension when God seems absent. What are the specific circumstances, fears, or struggles that feel like an ongoing form of life in Egypt (e.g., anxiety, a relational conflict, a persistent sin, a toxic job, a health issue)?

3. The plagues and the miraculous Red Sea crossing demonstrate that God is sovereign and in control, even when human rulers seem to be running the show. Can you think of a past situation when you felt completely powerless or out of control, but in hindsight, you can now trace how God was working behind the scenes for your ultimate good or rescue? What did that feeling of being out of control teach you about trusting God's timing and power?

4. The Exodus was a rescue from slavery and for a relationship and new identity. In the previous question we focused on what God has rescued us from. As a result, what specific new purpose or way of living has he called you for?

5. The Passover lamb was a sacrificial substitute—life for life—that made the Exodus possible. The passage reminds us that Jesus is our True and Better Passover Lamb. Has there been a time you were acutely aware of your personal need for Jesus' sacrifice and mediation? Was there someone who helped you grow in your understanding of Jesus' death on the cross? Share with your group about this individual and their life.

6. The Israelites were guided in the wilderness by the pillars of cloud and fire—the tangible presence of God. The theme of this sermon series is "With God: In the Wilderness," and the discipline is meditation. What is one step you'll take this week to intentionally slow down and meditate on God’s presence with you in every facet of your day?

Title: Passover & Exodus
Reference: Exodus 12:12-13, 29-32, 40-42
Speaker: Bill Gorman, BillG@cckc.church

– God is as patient as he is just

If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart? - Alexander Solzhenitsyn

– God is as merciful as he is holy

Considering the depth of the people's iniquities, man may reach the conviction that the human situation could not stand the test of God's judgment. And yet even when the people seem to be doomed by their own deeds, the mercy and grace of God may save them from disaster - Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Prophets

– God brings life through death

In the New Testament as a whole, references to the “blood” of Christ are three times more frequent than those to the “death” of Christ — a compelling statistic. For centuries, the sacrificial system of Israel prepared God’s people to understand that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb. 9:22). - Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ.