Christian Religious Education — The Old Testament: The Exodus

Age: 15 • Context: Kenyan schools. These notes cover the key events, meanings and Christian connections for the Exodus story so you can understand, discuss and act on the themes of God's power, care and deliverance.

Overview

Exodus tells how God called Moses, rescued the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, brought plagues on Egypt, instituted the Passover, parted the Red Sea, and cared for the people in the wilderness. Important chapters: Exodus 3 (call of Moses), 7–12 (plagues and Passover), 14 (Red Sea), 16–17 (manna, water from rock).

Learning goals (what you should be able to do)

• Dramatize the call of Moses using Scripture as guide.
• Explain the conversation between God and Moses (the burning bush).
• Identify God’s attributes shown by the ten plagues.
• Explain how Passover points ahead to Jesus’ atonement.
• Summarise how God cared for the Israelites during the Exodus.
• Acknowledge God’s power and deliverance and apply it to life today.

1. The call of Moses (short summary)

2. The discourse between God and Moses — main points

• God's identity: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14) — God is self-existent, faithful and present.
• God's purpose: rescue the oppressed and keep covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
• Moses' objections: "Who am I?" / "What if they do not believe me?" / "I am slow of speech." God answers each with assurance: "I will be with you"; gave signs (staff to snake, hand made leprous then healed) and Aaron as spokesperson (Exodus 3–4).
• Key assurance: God’s presence is the root of leadership and success — not Moses’ skill alone.

3. The ten plagues and what they show about God

The plagues show God’s control over nature and nations, his judgment against oppression, and his power over false gods of Egypt.

• 1. Water → blood (Ex.7) — God controls creation and challenges the Nile gods.
• 2. Frogs (Ex.8) — God disrupts everyday life to call people to repentance.
• 3. Gnats/lice (Ex.8) — power over the smallest creatures.
• 4. Flies (Ex.8) — judgment and distinction between Israel and Egypt.
• 5. Death of livestock (Ex.9) — economic and religious blow to Egypt.
• 6. Boils (Ex.9) — God's authority over health and human bodies.
• 7. Hail and fire (Ex.9) — judgement from the sky and power over weather.
• 8. Locusts (Ex.10) — removal of food sources, God controls provision.
• 9. Darkness (Ex.10) — God shows authority over light and the sun gods.
• 10. Death of firstborn (Ex.11–12) — final judgment and the cost of Pharaoh's hardened heart.

Attributes of God shown by the plagues: sovereignty over nature and nations; justice and holiness (judging oppression); patience (multiple warnings); power to protect his own people; supremacy over other gods.

4. Passover and how it foreshadows Jesus' atonement

Passover (Exodus 12) is central: a lamb's blood on doorposts protected families from death; the lamb is to be unblemished, eaten with haste, and remembered each year.

• Lamb without blemish → foreshadows sinless Christ (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
• Blood on doorposts → sign of protection and life given in place of the household; similar to Jesus' blood which brings forgiveness and life (Hebrews 9:12–14).
• Passing over of death → points to salvation from spiritual death through Christ's sacrifice.
• Unleavened bread (no yeast) → symbol of removing sin; in Christianity it points to holiness and the believer's cleansing.
• Meal and remembrance → the Lord's Supper (Eucharist) continues the memory of Christ's sacrifice like Passover remembered freedom in Israel.

Simple line: Passover = substitution, salvation, covenant and ongoing remembrance — all fulfilled in Jesus' atoning work.

5. Ways God cared for the Israelites during the Exodus

• Guidance: Pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Ex.13:21) — visible guidance and presence.
• Protection: Parting of the Red Sea (Ex.14) — rescue from enemies.
• Provision: Manna and quail for food (Ex.16); water from the rock (Ex.17) — daily provision.
• Provision of law and order: The Ten Commandments and instruction at Sinai (Ex.20+) — care for social and spiritual life.
• Presence and covenant: God made a covenant and later provided the tabernacle so he could dwell with them (Exodus later chapters).

6. Acknowledging God's power and deliverance — reflection and application

The Exodus teaches that God rescues the oppressed, keeps promises, acts with justice and shows mercy. For Kenyan youth this can mean:

• Trust in God’s presence when facing hard situations (exams, family problems, injustice).
• Give thanks and worship—remember God’s acts (church, personal prayer).
• Stand for justice and care for others, as God cared for the oppressed Israelites.

Memory verse

Exodus 14:14 — "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Encourage learners to memorise and reflect on its meaning.)

References: Exodus chapters 3, 7–12, 14–17; New Testament links: John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:12–14.