How can we explain God's deliverance to children, as in Exodus 13:14? Focus verse “In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’” — Exodus 13:14 Why Exodus 13:14 matters • God expects parents to retell His saving acts. • The verse models a clear, simple testimony: God’s mighty hand freed His people from real bondage. • Passing this truth to children keeps each generation anchored in the same faith story. Words children can grasp • Slavery = being trapped with no way out. • Mighty hand = God’s unbeatable power. • Brought us out = God stepped in and rescued. • House of slavery = a place we could never escape on our own. Practical ways to explain deliverance • Tell the story with action: Pharaoh’s commands, the plagues, the Red Sea parting. • Use vivid verbs: God hears, sees, fights, saves. • Highlight contrasts: dark night vs. pillar of fire, slave chains vs. freedom march. • End with “God kept His promise—He always does.” Objects God gave to help remember • Unleavened bread: quick exit, no time for dough to rise (Exodus 12:39). • Passover lamb: substitute sacrifice pointing to Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Doorframe blood: protection under God’s sign of salvation. • Annual feast: hands-on memory makers for children. Linking Old and New Deliverance • Egypt’s slavery → our slavery to sin (John 8:34). • Mighty hand at Red Sea → mighty cross and empty tomb (Colossians 1:13). • Passover lamb → “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Freedom march → walking in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Everyday illustrations • Rescue stories: firefighters pulling someone from danger. • Breaking chains: toy handcuffs snapped open to show liberation. • Light in darkness: flashlight chase away shadows, like God’s pillar of fire. • Family traditions: special meal or candle each year to recall God’s rescue. Living the lesson as a family • Tell the Exodus account regularly; repetition cements truth (Deuteronomy 6:20-21). • Sing songs about God’s power and faithfulness (Psalm 78:4). • Look for modern examples of God’s help and say, “That’s God’s mighty hand today.” • Celebrate communion with clear words: “Jesus is our Passover; He delivered us.” Key Scriptures to share • Deuteronomy 6:20-21 — retelling to the next generation. • Psalm 78:4-7 — declaring God’s works to children. • Joshua 4:6-7, 24 — stones of remembrance. • Colossians 1:13-14 — rescued from darkness. • 1 Peter 2:9 — called out of darkness into light. |
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