Exodus 1-3

Chapter 1
Main idea
Israel grows in Egypt.  Pharaoh suppresses them, but the midwives resist.  Pharaoh takes stronger measures to reduce the population.

How this is about Jesus
The seed of the serpent seeks to destroy God's people, but the seed of the woman will resist.  The midwives pre-figure Christ in their opposition to the rulers of this world.

Sins this reveals
Selfish and oppressive power-wielding for your own protection.
Obeying leaders and laws, rulers and rules, that harm others without good reason.


Chapter 2
Main idea
God saves Moses from death on the water using a basket and Pharaoh's daughter.
When grown, he kills an Egpytian who is abusing an Israelite, and has to flee Egypt for it.  He settles in Midian, marries and has a child.  Meanwhile, the oppression of Israel continues in Egypt, and God prepares to act.  He will redeem Israel from Egypt because of His covenant promises to Abraham.

How this is about Jesus
Both Moses and Jesus are saved from Pharaoh/Herod in their infancy.  Moses tried to save Israel with violence at first; Jesus suffers violence to save.  Both spend time in the desert before being ready to do their work.

Sins this reveals
We often sin in trying to deal with sin.
Feeling guilty for not fixing something we cannot fix.  (Maybe not so much a sin, but really unhelpful for us!)


Chapter 3
Main idea
God appears to Moses in the burning bush, informing him that He is sending him to Pharaoh to let Israel go.  But Pharaoh won't listen - it'll take force.

How this is about Jesus
God sends Jesus to a nation that won't listen to Him.  Both are sent though God knows they will be rejected.

Sins this reveals
Lack of courage to speak when you know the audience disagrees or is hostile.
Our sinfulness makes us unable and afraid to look at God.