2011 Lent Study Guide - University Presbyterian Church

Week Four: A Lamb to Rescue
Exodus 12:1-13
Opening Prayer
Dear Lord God, thank you that we can come together again. We are continually in awe of how you pursue
each one of us. Help us in this time to set aside the cares of our day and to sit at your feet to receive your great,
great love. Bless our time together. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What’s Happening in the Small Group?
What are some of the traditional celebrations your family observes? Describe one of them.
OR, We have looked at the river, the flame, and the staff as markers in Exodus. Describe how
any one of these has stood out to you so far.
What’s Happening in the Word?
So far, we’ve reflected on three markers given to us in the Exodus story. The river points to the
awareness of God’s unseen hand in our lives. The flame represents God’s yearning to be disclosed to
us. And the staff invites us into partnership responding to God’s love.
In Exodus 12, the marker of a lamb brings us to the culmination of the ten plagues. We read about the
Passover. The festival of unleavened bread and the Passover are institutionalized as a memorial for
generations that follow. As biblical scholar Peter Enns comments, “The purpose of these celebrations
is clearly for the benefit of those generations who did not participate in the Exodus itself.”
The Haggadah is a foundational celebration for both Jews and Christians. It commemorates the
release of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. But it also has profound meaning for us since it
commemorates our release from slavery to sin because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Definition of Terms
Haggadah (“telling”)—The Hebrew religious text explaining the order for a Passover Seder.
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