Glory Proclaimed – Moses and Pharaoh (Exodus 1-14, key: 9:16. 12:38)
After Joseph died, the descendants of Jacob grew from a family of 70 to a nation of 2-3 million. To gain control over the Israelites (also called Hebrews), Egypt’s pharaoh enslaved them and treated them harshly. Through Moses, God set about freeing his people. When Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go, God sent ten plagues to strike the Egyptians’ water supply, crops, animals, and families. God declared that through the plagues, the whole world would know the mighty hand of the Lord. After the plague of the firstborn, Pharaoh let the Israelite people go. As they fled Egypt, many others went with them, wanting to be a part of God’s people.
Bible: Read Exodus 6:6-8, 9:16, and 12:38 with your family.
Family Activity
Prep Time: none
Activity Time: 10 minutes
Materials: none
Invite family members to demonstrate one way they are physically strong (running, jumping, arm wrestling, lifting something heavy, etc.) Which Olympic events demonstrate physical strength? Discuss the difference in scope between being a winner in your family and taking first prize in the Olympics. God had two purposes in sending the plagues on the Egyptians. God wanted to demonstrate loving concern to his own people – “I hear your cries, I know your situation, and I’m going to rescue you.” (Exodus 6:6-8) God’s bigger purpose was to show the whole world that he is God Almighty. (Exodus 9:16) Each plague was like an Olympic event in which God proved himself more powerful than Pharaoh and all the Egyptian gods and goddesses. God’s authority is not limited to one group of people. God reigns over the entire world and all peoples.
Bible:
Read Exodus 6:6-8, 9:16, and 12:38 with your family.
Discuss:
- How did God demonstrate his power in Egypt? In what ways does God demonstrate his power in our lives today?
- How can our family share God’s power to save with people who do not know Jesus?
Pray:
Ask God to make his love and power famous through your speech, attitudes, and behavior.
