Bible moment
The Bible moment
In Exodus 12:1-13, the LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron and gives Israel instructions for the Passover. Each household is to select a lamb or young goat, prepare the meal, mark the doorposts and lintel with its blood, and eat with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The people are to be dressed and ready to depart. The LORD says that when he strikes Egypt, he will pass over homes marked in this way. The doorway marking is presented as the sign connected with rescue. This passage also begins the instructions for remembering the event as a festival and for eating unleavened bread. The family’s careful preparation shows obedience to the LORD’s instructions and trust in what he has said.
Look closely
What children can notice
An Israelite family stands respectfully near its home as an adult carefully marks the doorposts and lintel, while a lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, staffs, and sandals show that the household is prepared to obey the LORD’s instructions. Keep the scene calm and symbolic, without graphic detail.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What instructions is the family following?
- How does the marked doorway show obedience and trust?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with older children when introducing the first Passover in Exodus. Invite children to identify the doorway, meal foods, staffs, and sandals, then explain that the scene represents careful obedience and the promised rescue. Keep discussion non-graphic and stop this scene before Israel’s departure.
Source note
From this passage
Exodus 12:1-13 · Passover
An Israelite family stands respectfully near its home as an adult carefully marks the doorposts and lintel, while a lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, staffs, and sandals show that the household is prepared to obey the LORD’s instructions. Keep the scene calm and symbolic, without graphic detail.
