Exodus 13 - God Leads His People
We all believe in something—but the power of belief isn’t in believing hard enough, it’s in what (and who) we believe in. In Exodus, Moses believed God was who He said He was and would do what He said He would do—and through that belief, millions were led to freedom. When our belief is anchored to the living God, it becomes a force that moves mountains and transforms lives.
1. God Leads His People in Wisdom (vv. 17–18)
“God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near… But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.”
Israel wanted the short route, but God chose the wise one. He saw what they couldn’t—their weakness, fear, and fragility—and led them a different way. Faith in its infancy is fragile, and God, like a loving Father, protects and grows His people at the pace they can handle.
Discussion Questions:
When has God led you on a path that didn’t make sense at first?
How can detours in life actually strengthen our faith?
What does it look like to “trust that if it’s God that’s leading you, He leads in wisdom”?
2. God Leads His People in Faithfulness (v. 19)
“Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, ‘God will surely visit you…’”
Joseph’s bones were a testimony—a reminder that God keeps His promises. Generations later, Moses carries those bones out of Egypt, declaring to the people: The God who promised deliverance has done it. Like Joseph, we live as foreigners in this world, waiting for the day when God will lead us home.
Discussion Questions:
What does Joseph’s request to carry his bones reveal about his faith in God?
In what ways can we remind ourselves (and others) of God’s faithfulness today?
How might being “too comfortable” in this world distract us from longing for God’s Kingdom?
3. God Leads His People in Power (vv. 20–22)
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud… and by night in a pillar of fire… The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.”
In their weariness and weakness, Israel had a visible reminder of God’s presence. The pillar of cloud and fire symbolized His protection, presence, and power—He was with them and before them. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s story is one of dwelling with His people: walking with Adam, dwelling in fire and cloud, living among us in Christ, and now within us through His Spirit.
Discussion Questions:
What does God’s presence mean to you personally in seasons of wilderness or uncertainty?
Why do you think God chose visible symbols (cloud and fire) to lead Israel?
How does the Holy Spirit serve as our “pillar” of guidance and presence today?
4. Living It Out: Trusting the God Who Leads
Like Israel, we’re called to trust God’s leadership—in wisdom, in faithfulness, and in power. When we truly believe that God has a distinct plan and purpose for our lives and for others, everything changes:
How we pray and study
How we serve and spend
How we relate and lead
Application Questions:
What would change in your life if you truly believed that God has a distinct plan and purpose for you?
How can you better follow God’s leading instead of your own desires or fears?
How can we help others discover and follow God’s leading in their own lives?
Exodus 12 — The Passover Lamb
Exodus 12 reveals the moment God provided deliverance for His people through the blood of the lamb. The Passover story centers on God’s judgment, mercy, and redemption. A spotless lamb was chosen, its blood placed on the doorposts, and through that blood, God’s people were saved. This was not merely a historic event—it pointed to Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
For believers today, Exodus 12 calls us to remember that salvation comes only through the Lamb God has provided—Jesus—and to live as people marked by His blood, proclaiming faith and belonging to God.
1. The Blood Saves (vv. 7, 21–23)
Moses commands the people to kill the Passover lamb and spread its blood on the doorposts as a visible proclamation of faith.
“When He sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you.” (v. 23)
The blood was not symbolic sentiment—it was life given in place of death deserved.
Blood represents life.
Blood shed represents death.
In Leviticus 17:11, God declares, “The life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement.”
This was God’s mercy: sin demanded death, yet through substitution—the lamb’s life for the sinner’s—atonement was made.
Discussion Question:
How does understanding the seriousness of sin deepen your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice?
2. The Command to Remember (vv. 24–27)
God says to Moses:
“You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever.”
Do not forget what God has done:
He passed over your sin and spared your life.
He kept His promise to deliver and preserve you.
He redeemed you by the blood of a lamb.
Israel would remember through the annual Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread—a continual reminder of God’s faithfulness and redemption.
Discussion Question:
What practices help you remember God’s faithfulness in your own life?
3. The True Lamb of God (John 1:29; Matthew 26:17–30)
After centuries of remembering, a new voice broke the silence—John the Baptist saw Jesus and declared,
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
The pattern was being fulfilled.
The lamb was no longer chosen by man, but by God.
This Lamb would not cover sin temporarily, but remove it completely.
The blood of animals would be replaced by the blood of Christ.
On the 10th day of Nisan, the same day when Israel would select their Passover lamb, Jesus entered Jerusalem—the people shouted “Hosanna!” not realizing they were choosing their Lamb.
Four days later, on the 14th of Nisan, He stood before the people. They chose Him to die, crying, “Let Him be crucified.”
The innocent Lamb bore the guilt of humanity.
His blood became the eternal sign of faith and belonging to God.
Discussion Question:
Why do you think God chose to reveal Jesus as “the Lamb”? How does that image shape your view of His love and sacrifice?
4. The New Covenant and Our Proclamation (Matthew 26:26–29)
At the Passover meal, Jesus took the bread and wine—symbols of God’s old redemption—and redefined them:
“This is my body, broken for you… This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
For 1,400 years, the people looked back to God’s deliverance in Egypt.
Jesus said, Now look to Me.
He became the fulfillment—the Lamb whose sacrifice establishes a new covenant of eternal redemption.
We no longer mark our doors with blood; we mark our lives with faith in Christ.
We live as those redeemed.
We love as He loved.
We proclaim through our obedience that we belong to God.
Discussion Question:
What does it mean for your life to be a visible “proclamation” of faith and belonging to God?
5. Our Response — “Yes, Jesus”
The work has been finished. From the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished.”
And before His ascension He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
So the question remains:
Will Jesus be your Passover Lamb?
Will you turn from sin and trust fully in His blood for your belonging to God?
Maybe today that means surrendering your life to Him for the first time.
Maybe it means repentance—cutting off sin that defiles and destroys.
Maybe it means obedience to His calling in your life.
Let this be your prayer:
“Yes, Jesus. I will. Show me how.”
Exodus 12 — A Reset Through Redemption
Exodus 12 marks a major turning point in Scripture. God doesn’t just deliver His people from Egypt—He resets their entire way of life. Time itself starts over. “This month shall be for you the beginning of months.” The God of creation becomes the God of redemption, and redemption brings a new beginning.
1) God’s Reset of Time (vv. 1–2)
Israel had lived under Egypt’s rule for 400 years. Their days, labor, and rest were dictated by Pharaoh. But God steps in and gives them a new calendar. Time no longer belongs to their oppressor—it belongs to Him. Redemption always reorders time around God’s purposes.
Discussion: How does God’s control of time remind us that our schedules and seasons belong to Him?
2) Judgment and Mercy at Midnight (vv. 29–30)
At midnight, judgment falls. Every firstborn in Egypt dies—the future of oppression is cut off. Yet God’s people are spared under the blood of the lamb. The cutting off of Egypt’s firstborn brings life to God’s firstborn, Israel. God redeems through both judgment and mercy.
Discussion: What does this moment teach us about how God’s deliverance often requires a death or ending first? What are the things in our lives today that create beliefs and habits that keep our lives opposed to God’s will and design?
3) The Greater Reset in Christ
Centuries later, Jesus takes that same pattern to the cross. At midnight in Gethsemane, He bears judgment for all humanity. Covered in blood, He becomes the greater Passover Lamb. Through His redemption, a new beginning dawns—not just for a nation, but for the world.
Christ Jesus brought the greatest reset through redemption and when we are redeemed by Jesus it changes everything.
Discussion: How does God change us? (John 15:5, 1 Peter 2:2, Hebrews 10:24-25) How has God grown you over your christian life? How has God changed you lately?
Exodus - The Purpose of the Plagues
Exodus 6–10 reveals how God displays His power not only to rescue Israel from Egypt but to reveal His supremacy to all nations. Through the plagues, God shows that He alone is Lord over creation, nations, and human hearts. Each act of judgment is purposeful—meant to bring both Israel and Egypt to know that He is the LORD. God’s power is not random or cruel; it is redemptive, revealing His glory and faithfulness to His covenant people. For believers today, these chapters remind us that God displays His power to us so that His power may be displayed through us, bringing faith and freedom to others.
1. God Displays His Power to Us (Exodus 6:1–8; 7:1–7)
Before the plagues begin, God reveals His identity to Moses: “I am the LORD.” He reminds Moses of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising to redeem Israel with mighty acts of judgment. God’s first display of power is not to Pharaoh—but to His own people, reassuring them that He has not forgotten them. When Pharaoh seems too strong and Moses feels too weak, God’s revelation of Himself anchors His people in faith.
God’s power is first revealed to His people so they may trust His promises before He acts through them.
The plagues will not be random events, but covenant acts rooted in His identity as Yahweh, the faithful Redeemer.
Discussion question:
Where has God reminded you of His faithfulness before a season of testing or deliverance?
How does remembering who God is strengthen your trust in what He will do?
2. God Displays His Power through Us (Exodus 7:8–10:29)
God uses Moses and Aaron as His instruments of power before Pharaoh. Through them, He sends ten plagues—each one exposing Egypt’s false gods and revealing Yahweh’s sovereignty over every realm: the Nile, the land, the sky, and even life itself. Each plague increases in severity, and yet God’s precision remains clear—He spares Israel, showing that His judgments are purposeful and controlled.
God’s power through His servants confronts idols and exposes the limits of human power.
Even Pharaoh’s magicians can imitate some signs but cannot reverse them; only God has authority to command creation.
God’s acts through Moses reveal His glory to the world: “That my name may be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).
Discussion question:
How can God display His power through your obedience and faithfulness today?
What “Pharaohs” or false powers might He be confronting through your witness?
3. God’s Power Brings Faith and Freedom (Exodus 9:13–10:29)
As the plagues intensify, Pharaoh’s heart grows harder, yet God’s purpose stands firm. Through judgment, He shows both His justice and His mercy. The distinction between Egypt and Israel becomes clear—God’s people are protected, while Egypt’s pride is humbled. By the end of these chapters, even Pharaoh’s officials recognize that God’s power is unstoppable. Israel learns that freedom comes not by human revolt but by divine redemption.
God’s power humbles the proud and strengthens the faith of the humble.
The result of God’s display of power is faith, worship, and eventual deliverance.
The plagues reveal that God’s mission is not destruction, but redemption—that all may “know that I am the LORD.”
Discussion question:
How has God’s power in your life led to deeper faith and freedom?
Who around you might come to know God’s greatness through your obedience and testimony?
Exodus Chapter 4
Exodus 4 shows how God reveals His power to Moses, not just for his own assurance, but so that God’s power might work through him to bring faith and freedom to Israel. God equips Moses with signs, answers his fears, and even provides Aaron as a partner. Yet the focus remains clear: deliverance is God’s work, and His power displayed through His servants leads His people to worship. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that God shows His power in our lives so that we can be instruments of His power for the faith and freedom of others.
1. God Displays His Power to Us (vv. 1–9)
Moses doubts that the people will believe him.
God gives three signs: the staff becoming a serpent, the leprous hand healed, and water turned to blood.
These are not magic tricks but demonstrations of God’s power over the oppressor, disease, and life & death.
God reveals His power to Moses so that he can trust God’s authority before displaying it to others.
Discussion question: Where has God shown His power in your life personally? How do these encounters strengthen your faith for His mission?
2. God Displays His Power through Us (vv. 10–17)
Moses fears his weakness: “I am slow of speech.”
God reminds him that He created the mouth and promises, “I will be with your mouth.”
God’s power works through human weakness, equipping His servants beyond their natural abilities.
Even when Moses resists, God provides Aaron—but the message and power still come from God.
Discussion question: What weaknesses do you feel keep you from serving God? How does this passage remind us that God works through weakness, not apart from it?
3. God’s Power Brings Faith and Freedom (vv. 18–31)
Moses returns to Egypt under God’s command.
God declares His sovereignty over Pharaoh’s hardened heart—showing that His purposes cannot be stopped.
The signs performed before Israel’s elders lead to faith, worship, and hope of freedom.
God’s power is displayed not just to confront Pharaoh but to bring His people into faith and freedom.
Discussion question: How does God’s display of power in your life point others to faith and freedom in Christ? Who might God be calling you to strengthen through your obedience?
Exodus Chapter 3
Exodus 3 marks a turning point in Moses’ life and in God’s plan of redemption. From the quiet obscurity of tending sheep in Midian, Moses encounters the holy God in a burning bush. God captures his attention, reveals His holiness, and commissions him to lead Israel out of Egypt. In this sacred moment, God declares His eternal name, “I AM WHO I AM,” showing Himself as the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. For believers today, this points us to Jesus—the great “I AM”—who calls us to follow Him with reverence and surrender.
1. God Gets Moses’ Attention (vv. 1–6)
While shepherding, Moses notices a bush engulfed in flames but not consumed.
His choice to “turn aside” opens the way for God to speak.
God calls Moses by name, then commands him to remove his sandals as a sign of reverence.
Divine presence requires reverence—God is holy and must be approached with awe and respect.
Discussion question: How does God get our attention today? What distractions keep us from noticing Him, and what does it look like to “turn aside” in reverence?
2. God’s Call and Authority (vv. 7–12)
God declares He has seen the misery of His people and will deliver them.
He calls Moses to be His messenger, though Moses feels inadequate.
The promise of God’s presence—“I will be with you”—is what makes the mission possible.
Following Jesus requires giving God ultimate authority and attention, trusting His presence over our abilities.
Discussion question: In what ways do we make excuses like Moses when God calls us to serve? How does God’s presence change the way we respond to His authority?
3. The Holiness of God’s Name (vv. 13–15)
Moses asks, “What is Your name?” and God reveals Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.”
This name shows God’s eternal, self-existent nature: He depends on no one, yet all depend on Him.
God’s name is His covenant pledge to be present and faithful to His people for generations.
In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself with this name, declaring, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58).
Discussion question: Why is God’s name, “I AM,” so significant for our understanding of Him? How does seeing Jesus as the “I AM” deepen your trust in following Him?
4. God’s Plan for Deliverance (vv. 16–22)
God instructs Moses to gather the elders and announce His plan to rescue Israel from Egypt.
Pharaoh will resist, but God promises to act with power and signs.
The people will not leave empty-handed—God ensures they will depart with favor and provision.
God’s deliverance is not only about freedom from bondage but about being led into worship and covenant with Him.
Discussion question: How does this passage remind us that God’s plans are greater than human resistance? How can this encourage us when facing obstacles in our own walk of faith?
Exodus Chapter 2
Exodus 2 moves from the broad suffering of God’s people to the personal story of one child—Moses. Out of a river of death, God preserves the very one who will become the deliverer of Israel. This chapter reminds us that God’s plans are not hindered by human evil or weakness; He works through ordinary people, even unlikely circumstances, to bring about His purposes. God is preparing His chosen servant, even in exile, for the mission ahead.
1. God’s Deliverance Through One Child (vv. 1–10)
A Levite woman gives birth to a son and hides him for three months.
When she can no longer conceal him, she places him in a basket on the Nile—ironically the very place of Pharaoh’s command of death.
Pharaoh’s daughter finds the child, shows compassion, and unknowingly raises Israel’s deliverer in her own household.
God orchestrates that Moses’ own mother nurses and raises him in his earliest years.
Discussion question: How does God’s providence shine through the details of Moses’ birth and rescue? What does this teach us about trusting Him in desperate circumstances?
2. Moses’ Identification with His People (vv. 11–15)
As an adult, Moses sees the suffering of his people.
He kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew, but his act is discovered.
Rejected by Pharaoh and distrusted by his own people, Moses flees into exile in Midian.
Moses’ desire for justice is sincere, but his method is flawed—deliverance will not come through human strength or violence.
Discussion question: What does Moses’ failure here reveal about human attempts to fix injustice apart from God? How can our zeal for justice be directed by God’s wisdom instead of our own strength?
3. God’s Preparation in the Wilderness (vv. 16–22)
In Midian, Moses defends the daughters of Reuel (Jethro) at a well.
He is welcomed into their family, marries Zipporah, and has a son, Gershom.
The wilderness becomes a place of preparation, humility, and hiddenness before God uses Moses.
Discussion question: How might God use seasons of obscurity, waiting, or wilderness in our lives to prepare us for future calling?
4. God Hears and Remembers His Covenant (vv. 23–25)
Israel groans under slavery and cries out to God.
God hears their cry, remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and looks on them with compassion.
The chapter closes not with Moses’ action, but with God’s initiative—He has not forgotten His people.
Discussion question: What encouragement can we draw from knowing that God hears the cries of His people? How does this truth shape the way we endure suffering or pray in times of need?
Exodus Chapter 1
Exodus begins with a new Pharaoh rising to power in Egypt. Forgetting God and the ways He had blessed Egypt through Joseph, this king seeks only to build his own kingdom. But the outpouring of God’s blessing and faithfulness upon His people becomes a direct threat to Pharaoh’s plans. Out of fear, he inflicts suffering, slavery, and eventually death on the Israelites. Yet even in the midst of oppression, God’s purposes cannot be stopped—He is preparing the road that will lead His people to freedom and deliverance.
1. God’s Faithfulness Despite Changing Circumstances (vv. 1–7)
The descendants of Jacob move from a family to a nation.
Israel grows “fruitful and multiplies greatly,” echoing God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:2, 15:5).
Even in a foreign land, God’s promises are still being fulfilled.
Discussion question: Exodus 1 begins with God’s covenant and promises to Abraham being fulfilled, what does this reveal about God’s nature?
2. The Threat of Fear and Power (vv. 8–10)
A new Pharaoh arises “who did not know Joseph.”
He fears the growth of Israel and sees them as a political and military threat.
Fear of “the other” leads to oppression.
Discussion question: How do we see “fear of others” leading to injustice or oppression in our world today?
3. Oppression as a Tool of Control (vv. 11–14)
Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites with forced labor.
The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply.
God’s blessing cannot be stopped by human schemes.
Discussion question: What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty versus human power?
4. The Courage of the Midwives (vv. 15–21)
Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) to kill newborn Hebrew boys.
They fear God rather than Pharaoh, and spare the children.
God blesses their courage with families of their own.
Discussion question: When should God’s people resist unjust authority? What does it look like to “fear God more than man”?
5. Pharaoh’s Escalating Evil (v. 22)
Pharaoh orders all Hebrew boys to be thrown into the Nile.
Evil is becoming more public and systemic.
This sets the stage for God’s intervention in raising up Moses.
Discussion question: How do we see evil grow when it goes unchecked? How should Christians respond to injustice?