Unit 4, Session 2

Dear families,
The confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh revealed the stark contrast between the powerful compassion of God toward His people and the heart-hardened pride of the Egyptian ruler. While challenging Pharaoh seemed an impossible task, God used Moses to showcase His glory through Moses’ willingness to obey. Though Pharaoh’s pride led to the demise of his people, we see in this story a picture of God’s mercy to the Israelites. This serves as a foreshadow of the mercy Christ displayed on the cross by taking on Himself the punishment sinners deserved so that they might enjoy eternal life with Him.
Why was Pharaoh’s heart so hardened against God? How did Moses and the Israelites trust God despite their circumstances?
Pharaoh’s first response to Moses was to question God: “Who is the Lord that I should obey him by letting Israel go?” (Exodus 5:2). Pharaoh did not recognize God’s power, nor did he wish to submit himself under any other authority. Pharaoh’s disobedience was already leading him on a path of destruction, so God saw fit to further harden the ruler’s heart as a means of displaying His own power over Pharaoh and the fake gods of Egypt.
Moses, despite communing with God so closely, still doubted His faithfulness amid the Israelites’ suffering. Moses even accused God of causing trouble and making a mistake by choosing him as leader. Yet, God declared that the Egyptians would see His power, and in the end, surrender to His will. God repeated His covenant promises and reminded His people that He would be faithful to deliver them from Egypt and bring them to the land of promise. Through the suffering of slavery and desolation of the plagues, God’s people waited. And upon hearing God’s Passover instructions, they did as He commanded.
Consider Moses’ difficulties in confronting Pharaoh, a man of great prestige. Then, reflect on the grace and mercy of God who reigns in sovereign power. Though it appeared impossible, God made good on His promises. Help the kids in your family see that Christ’s sacrifice was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem people from the bondage of sin. Just as the blood of the lamb saved the firstborn sons at Passover, Christ’s blood now and forever frees us from sin.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died on the cross and rose again so we can be saved
from sin. - Younger Preschool: God showed His power so His people could be free. Jesus came to earth to rescue people from the power of sin. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be free from sin and live with God forever.
- Older Preschool: Pharaoh did not want God’s people to be free. The people suffered, but God’s people were saved. Jesus came to set sinners free. He willingly suffered and died on the cross so we can be saved from sin.
- Kids: Because of Pharaoh’s hard heart, Egypt suffered by God’s people were saved. Because of Jesus’ loving heart, He willingly suffered on the cross so we could be saved from sin. His blood saves us from our sin just as the Passover lamb’s blood saved the firstborn of the Israelites.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: Why does sin keep us from God? Sin keeps us from God because He is holy.
- Older Preschool: Why does sin separate us from God? Because God is holy.
- Kids: Why does sin separate us from God? Because God is holy, sin has broken our relationship with God.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: God hears and rescues. Psalm 34:17
- Younger Preschool: The LORD hears, and rescues. Psalm 34:17
- Older Preschool: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
- Kids: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
** Next week: Moses Parted the Red Sea (Exodus 13-15)
