How does the miracle in Exodus 7:20 foreshadow Christ's miracles in the Gospels? Miracle at the Nile: Exodus 7:20 Exodus 7:20: “Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; he raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.” • Instant, visible transformation of a natural element • Performed in obedience to God’s clear command • Sign of judgment exposing Egypt’s idols and demanding repentance • Life-giving river becomes a source of death (7:21) Echo in Cana: Water to Wine (John 2:1-11) John 2:7-9: “‘Fill the jars with water,’ Jesus told them… the water had been turned into wine.” Parallels • Water changed by divine authority • Immediate, complete transformation • Authenticates the messenger: Moses before Pharaoh, Jesus before disciples • First in a series of signs unveiling redemption Contrast • Nile miracle brings death; Cana miracle celebrates life and joy—anticipating the Messianic banquet (Isaiah 25:6; Revelation 19:9) Authority Revealed • Moses wields borrowed power—“the LORD had commanded” • Jesus acts with inherent power—“He revealed His glory” (John 2:11) • Foreshadows the greater Prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18:15; creation obeys His word (Mark 4:39; Luke 7:14) Blood, Wine, and the Cross • Water-to-blood prefigures divine judgment on sin • Water-to-wine points to the new covenant in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20) • Thread of redemption: – Exodus 12:13—Passover blood protects – John 19:34—blood and water flow from Christ’s side – Hebrews 9:22—“without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” Transformation Motif in the Gospels • Multiplying loaves (Mark 6:41) – provision from scarcity • Calming the storm (Mark 4:39) – order from chaos • Raising Lazarus (John 11:43-44) – life from death All echo Exodus 7:20: creation responds instantly to its Creator. Living Response • Trust: The God who turned the Nile to blood and water to wine governs every element of life. • Worship: Move from fear of judgment to joy in the Lamb who removes sin (John 1:29). • Witness: The signs are written “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31). |
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