9.27.2026 | Exodus 7–12
Plagues and Passover: God’s Distinct Power and Plan of Rescue
Through the plagues, God answered Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the LORD?” He revealed his distinct power as the sovereign ruler of the universe—there is no one like him. Yet God’s purpose was not simply to defeat Pharaoh. He was keeping his promises, rescuing his people, and making his name known throughout the earth.
The Passover brings God’s rescue into focus. On that final night, the blood of the lamb marked the homes of God’s people and protected them from death. That rescue pointed forward to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
MAIN POINT: God reveals his distinct power and makes his name known by rescuing his people—a rescue ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the Lamb of God.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Read Exodus 9:13–21, 26–35 and Exodus 12:21–23 aloud. As you read, think about what these passages reveal about God’s power and purpose, how people respond to him, and how he provides rescue. What stands out to you? Does anything remind you of something from the sermon or from your reading this week?
Additional references from the sermon include Genesis 12:1–3; Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 2:4–5; 2 Peter 3:9; John 1:29; Luke 22:14–20; Romans 6:23; and Romans 14:8.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: How should knowing that God is sovereign shape the way you obey him?
(Exodus 9:13–17, 29–35; Deuteronomy 29:29)
Reminder: Rodney pointed out that Moses’ growing obedience led to growing confidence. He obeyed God step by step, and God used his obedience to accomplish his purposes.
- Where might God be calling you to obey even though you don’t know how everything will turn out?
- How have you seen obedience strengthen your trust in God?
- How does it help to remember that God is sovereign, but we are still responsible to act?
Q2: Does the way you live make the God you belong to known to others?
(Exodus 9:14–16, 20, 26; 12:38; Genesis 12:1–3)
Reminder: God distinguished his people from Egypt, but his plan was global: “to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.” Rodney said, “God spreads his name by distinguishing his people.”
- What should distinguish God’s people from the world around us?
- Rodney asked, “Does our distinction just divide us from the world or is it attractive?” How would you answer that?
- Where might God give you an opportunity this week, even through a simple conversation, to make his name known?
Q3: Is your life marked by the blood of the Lamb?
(Exodus 12:21–23; John 1:29; Romans 6:23; Romans 14:8)
Reminder: At Passover, the distinct mark of the home was the blood of the lamb. Rodney said, “Death has no claim on any home marked by the blood of the lamb.” He then pointed us to Jesus: “Jesus is the Passover lamb.”
- What are we tempted to trust in besides Jesus—our family name, education, good works, religious activity, or something else?
- Pharaoh confessed his sin but did not turn from it. What is the difference between being sorry about the consequences of sin and truly repenting?
- If you have turned to Christ, how should knowing that you belong to him give you assurance and gratitude?
LET’S REMEMBER:
There is no one like the LORD. He is sovereign, he keeps his promises, and he makes his name known through his people. He rescued Israel from slavery and provided the blood of the lamb as the mark of their rescue. That rescue pointed forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
If you belong to Christ, his blood covers you. He has rescued you. He is changing you. He is with you. He is not done with you. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, there is no one like you. Thank you for your power, your patience, and your plan of rescue. Thank you for Jesus, the Lamb of God, who did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Help us trust your sovereignty, walk faithfully in obedience, and live in a way that makes your name known. Give us assurance and gratitude as we remember that we belong to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.