What is the meaning of Exodus 12:26? When The word “when” assumes the conversation will happen—it is not an if, but a sure event. God was building anticipation that faith questions naturally rise in young hearts. • Notice a similar expectation in Deuteronomy 6:20: “When your son asks you in times to come, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees…?’” • Joshua 4:6–7 shows the same pattern with the memorial stones “so that this would be a sign among you when your children ask in times to come.” • Psalm 78:4 calls parents to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD.” The timing word reminds us that God plans family discipleship moments before they happen. Our task is to stay alert and ready. your children God specifically highlights children, underscoring that the home is the primary classroom of faith. • Genesis 18:19 notes that Abraham was chosen “so that he will command his children…to keep the way of the LORD.” • Proverbs 22:6 encourages parents to “Train up a child in the way he should go.” • Joel 1:3 instructs, “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children.” Passover was designed not only as a national feast but as a living lesson plan that ties salvation history to family history. ask you Questions from kids are not interruptions; they are invitations. God presumes parents will answer personally. • Deuteronomy 6:7 directs parents to “talk of them when you sit in your house.” • Colossians 4:6 urges, “Let your speech always be gracious…so that you will know how to answer everyone.” • 1 Peter 3:15 echoes, “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Instead of deflecting inquiries, we lean in, welcoming every “why” and “how” as a doorway to share God’s mighty works. ‘What does this service mean to you?’ The child’s question drills down to personal significance, not mere ritual. Passover was more than a history lesson; it was a declaration of identity. Key themes to explain: • Deliverance – Exodus 12:27: “It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover…when He struck the Egyptians and spared our houses.” • Substitution – the lamb’s blood stood in place of the firstborn (foreshadowing John 1:29 and 1 Corinthians 5:7). • Covenant – God bound Himself to His people in love and protection (Exodus 6:7). • Ongoing remembrance – Luke 22:19: “Do this in remembrance of Me,” where Jesus links Passover to His own redemptive work. • Personal ownership – note the child asks, “to you.” Each generation must internalize God’s salvation, not merely inherit tradition. Answering this question connects the historic act of redemption with the present experience of faith. summary Exodus 12:26 teaches that God orchestrates teachable moments (“when”), targets the next generation (“your children”), expects verbal engagement (“ask you”), and invites every believer to make redemption personal (“What does this service mean to you?”). The verse calls families to keep the story of salvation alive, ensuring that the liberating power of the Passover—and ultimately of Christ our Passover Lamb—remains fresh and compelling in every heart and home. |
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