The book of Exodus tells of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, in which God, through Moses, led his people out of slavery. In the Old Testament this event was remembered each year in the celebration of the Passover, and in Christianity it is recalled in the same Passover week leading up to Good Friday and Easter. The New Testament shows that Jesus himself became the final Passover sacrifice when he laid down his life to free God’s people from their slavery to sin.
Matthew notes the infant Jesus’ flight to Egypt to point out that God’s Messiah not only would be called out of Egypt, but also would free his people from captivity once and for all.
We remember Egypt as a place of slavery. And in paying the price for our sin, Jesus set us free from our slavery to sin—whether that be addiction to alcohol or drugs, negative self-talk, a life of constant searching, or plaguing doubts that keep us from experiencing God’s love. Jesus sets us free from the tyrannies of sin, whether they be evil inclinations like arrogance, character flaws like deceit, moral failures like sexual infidelities, or selfish actions like greed.
We live no longer as slaves of our sin. Jesus brings us to new life in which we are restored to God and to each other. Welcome to new life in the presence of God because of Jesus!
Lord and God, you have taken us out of Egypt. Now remove from us any remnants of our sinful ways. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Dean Deppe
Dean Deppe has been a pastor in inner-city, suburban, and rural churches. Currently he teaches New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His courses include one on the parables of Jesus. He and his wife have four grown children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!