Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Exodus 12:43-51, 13:3-16. Luke 22:14-23, 1 Cor 5:6-8.

Sermon Notes:

Introduction – Moving Forward by Looking Back

• Illustration: The Boys in the Boat — rowers face backward to move forward.
• God calls Israel to move forward from Egypt—but commands them to look back through Passover.
• In the same way, Jesus sends us forward in mission—but sustains us by remembering Him through Communion.
• Key Idea: We move forward in faith by looking back to God’s saving work.

I. Tactile Teaching

• God teaches not just through words but through embodied practices.
• Sacrament: Outward sign of inward grace.
• Passover: Eating the lamb — tangible memory of deliverance.
• Communion: Bread and wine — tangible grace of Christ.
• Exodus 12:26 –27 – Children ask, “What does this mean?”
• Learning by participation.
• Application: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)
• Simple signs, profound grace.

II. Out with the Old

Feast of Unleavened Bread—removing leaven as a symbol of leaving Egypt behind.

God not only removes His people from Egypt but Egypt from His people.

1 Corinthians 5:6–8 – “Cleanse out the old leaven… for Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Application:

Confession before Communion clears away the “old leaven” of sin.

Communion humbles, not shames; we come needy and receptive to grace.

III. Assurance of Forgiveness and Love

• Passover: Blood of the lamb caused God’s judgment to pass over His people.
• Communion: Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, takes judgment on Himself.
• “This is my body, given for you.”
• Application:
• Communion assures us tangibly that God’s love and forgiveness are real.
• “As real as this bread and wine are, so real is God’s love for you.”

Moving Forward by Remembering

• The life of faith always moves forward—but draws strength from looking back.
• Personally: Remember God’s past faithfulness as fuel for trust.
• As a Church: In transition, look back with gratitude, not nostalgia.
• The Cross stands as our enduring sign of God’s faithfulness.

Discussion Questions:

• Share about your experience with Communion.  Did you grow up taking Communion regularly? How do you currently experience grace through it?
• Compare and contrast the act of celebrating a birthday or anniversary with Communion.  What are the similarities? What are the differences?
• Why is confession important before Communion? Do you practice personal confession?
• If you feel guilty over some sin, should you not take Communion that week? Why or why not? What are some reasons to refrain from taking Communion?
• Do you ever struggle to believe God loves you or forgives you?  How might taking Communion help you?

Extra Resources

Check out Sam Fornecker's Ridley Course - Jesus and the Jewish Feasts

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).