What does Exodus 12:26 teach about the importance of family spiritual education? The Verse in Focus “‘When your children ask you, “What does this service mean to you?”’ (Exodus 12:26) Historical Setting • The first Passover night in Egypt • God’s people prepared a lamb, marked their doorposts with its blood, and ate the meal in haste • The Lord instructed them to commemorate this event every year so future generations would remember His deliverance Key Truths from Exodus 12:26 • Family curiosity is assumed – God expected children to notice the ritual and ask about it • Parents are the first instructors – The answer to the children’s question comes from the parents, not priests or prophets • Spiritual memory must be preserved – The Passover story was to be retold so each generation grasped its life-saving significance (vv. 27–28) • God values conversation in the home – Teaching happens through dialogue, not mere observation Implications for Today’s Families • God holds parents responsible for passing on the faith • Household routines should spark questions that lead to gospel explanations • Regular, tangible reminders of God’s works help truth sink deep • The corporate worship gathering complements, but never replaces, family discipleship Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “These words… you shall teach them diligently to your children.” • Psalm 78:4 — “We will not conceal them from their children; we will recount… His power.” • Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go.” • Ephesians 6:4 — “Bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.” • 2 Timothy 3:15 — “From childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures…” Practical Ways to Teach Our Children • Read Scripture aloud at the table; invite children to summarize the passage • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with clear explanations of Christ, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) • Mark anniversaries of answered prayer or family salvation stories • Memorize key verses together and rehearse them during daily routines • Sing doctrinally rich hymns and modern worship songs that retell redemption history • Serve the needy as a family, connecting deeds of love to Christ’s command (John 13:34) • Encourage children to ask anything; respond with open Bibles and humble hearts Encouraging Promises • God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11) • Children who grow up hearing truth are “able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15) • The Lord promises blessing to those who keep His commands “to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9) Conclusion Exodus 12:26 shows that God embeds spiritual education in the heartbeat of family life. Parents tell the story; children hear, ask, and believe. When homes echo with God’s mighty acts, faith takes root and the next generation joins the unbroken testimony of redemption. |
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