Blood and Water: Echoes of Exodus in the New Testament

In this teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, the speaker relates the narrative of Passover, not merely as a historical event, but as a profound biblical motif that finds its culmination in the New Testament. This message, inspired by Matthew Vander Els, dives into how the Exodus story and its themes reverberate through the scriptures, ultimately pointing to Jesus (Yeshua) as the one who completes and transforms the narrative of liberation and creation.

The Story of Passover Beyond History

The teaching opens with a discussion on John’s Gospel, highlighting how the authors of the New Testament were intentional in crafting their narratives to reveal deeper truths. John’s account is particularly noted for its selective inclusion of stories, aiming to present Jesus as the climax of the biblical narrative. This underscores that the Bible isn’t just a collection of historical events but a cohesive story about God’s rescue mission through Jesus.

The Motif of Water and New Creation

Drawing parallels from Genesis to Exodus, the speaker explores the recurring motif of water and dry land as symbols of new creation and liberation. The Exodus story, particularly the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), is paralleled with the creation account in Genesis, where God brings forth life from the chaos of waters. This pattern continues with the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, symbolizing God’s rest and new creation for His people.

Israel’s Downfall and the Promise of a New Exodus

The narrative of Israel’s journey into Canaan and their eventual downfall is examined through the lens of the kingship of Solomon, who epitomized a drift from God’s intentions. The speaker emphasizes how Israel, once liberated, began to emulate oppressive empires, leading to their exile. However, the prophets foresaw a new Exodus, one that would transcend physical liberation and bring spiritual renewal through a new creation.

John the Baptist and the New Exodus

The teaching delves into the role of John the Baptist, who, in the wilderness, heralded the coming of this new Exodus. All four gospel accounts draw from Isaiah’s imagery of the wilderness as a place of transformation, inviting people to prepare for the Lord’s coming and the new creation He brings. John is depicted as a voice calling people out of bondage into a transformative encounter with God.

Yeshua as the Fulfillment of the Exodus

The narratives of Matthew and John are highlighted for their emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Exodus. Matthew parallels Yeshua’s life with Moses, drawing connections between their childhoods and missions. John, on the other hand, uses Passover imagery to present Yeshua as the Lamb of God, the ultimate liberator who takes away the sins of the world. The speaker notes John’s unique portrayal of Yeshua’s crucifixion as the ultimate Passover sacrifice, highlighting His role in initiating a new creation.

The New Creation Reality

The narrative reaches its crescendo with Yeshua’s resurrection, depicted as the inauguration of new creation. His appearance to Mary Magdalene in the garden symbolizes the reopening of Eden, a return to the intended communion between God and humanity. The teaching underscores the transformative power of Yeshua’s resurrection, inviting believers to embrace the new creation reality and let go of their chains of sin and death.

Takeaways and Life Applications

• Recognize the Bible as a unified story, with the Exodus motif pointing to liberation and new creation through Yeshua.
• Understand the deeper themes in biblical narratives, such as water and new creation, and their significance in God’s rescue mission.
• Reflect on the parallels between old and new Exodus stories, seeing Yeshua as the fulfillment of these motifs.
• Embrace the new creation reality, letting go of sin and embracing the freedom that Yeshua provides.
• Prepare for the season of Passover and Unleavened Bread by meditating on Yeshua’s transformative work.
• Engage with the teachings of the prophets and the New Testament authors to fully appreciate the narrative of liberation and renewal.

Bible Verses Mentioned

• John 21:25
• Exodus 14
• Genesis 1
• 1 Kings 10:14
• Isaiah 40
• Luke 3:2
• John 1:9
• John 19

Recommended Resources

• The Bible Project by Tim Mackie
• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
• Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright
• Being God’s Image by Carmen Imes

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