Note to the Teacher

This week we look at what has been referred to as the first Passover for the Jewish people. In Judaism, Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt. Jews observe the weeklong festival with several important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal known as a “seder,” and the retelling of the Exodus tale. [1] The Exodus Scripture for today focuses on the tradition of killing a lamb and marking the doorways of the Israelite people as a sign to God to pass over the household and keep it safe.

1. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

Each of us was created by God and are shaped by the people who raise us and the world around us. Part of who we are is because of where we are from and what has been passed down to us. A tradition that varies depending on faith tradition and community is baptism.

Option 1: High Tech

Use this short video to show different kinds of baptisms around the world. [2] What do you remember or what have others told you about your baptism? How did it look and feel? How is your tradition different from the ones portrayed here?

Option 2: Low Tech

Print out baptism pictures from around the world. [3] Share them with the group and talk about how this tradition is different around the world and for us here as well. What do you remember or what have others told you about your baptism? How did it look and feel? How is your tradition different from the ones portrayed here?

2. Read Scripture (5 minutes)

While the Scripture today focuses on the details of how to observe the ritual of marking the doorway so that God will pass over, it is also about reminding the Israelite people, and all of us, that we are a people called to remember our rich history, to allow it to shape who we are, and then to use it to continue to live out who God is and who God calls us to be in the world. We use the signs from God to shape how we live out God’s love.

Read Exodus 12:1-14

3. Discussion (15 minutes)

The Scripture begins with a big description of what the Israelite people should do to celebrate the beginning of the year. It advises what to eat, how to eat it and what to wear. Why do you think these details are so important to the people and to God?
Then the Scripture explains what God will do for the people. God will pass over those who have followed the instructions that God laid out. Why do you think God uses this as a sign? Is it a sign for God or a sign for the people?
Do people take any risks in following these instructions?
What does it mean to look for signs of God’s presence?
What does it mean to be a sign of God’s presence?
The Scripture ends with a reminder for the people that this isn’t just about doing the ritual and following the tradition; it is also about remembering who they are. How do you remember who you are and where you came from?
How do you ensure other people know who you are as you try to express your authentic self through how you act, how you dress, what you say, etc.? Does anything feel risky about expressing who you are?
How might others see you as an active sign of God’s presence in the world? Does it seem like there are any risks that might come along with that action?

4. Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

While we no longer kill a lamb and place the blood above our door, we use other signs to share who we are and what we believe. Using poster board and markers, have students create signs that share that they are followers of Christ.

After the posters are finished, invite students to place them around the church campus for people to see as they leave worship.

Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider listing joys/concerns from the students; then ask for a volunteer to close in prayer.

Total time: 50 minutes