The scriptures read are Exodus 10-12, Psalm 20, and Matthew 21.
Exodus 10. The plagues continue. Locusts and darkness. Pharaoh is trying to negotiate. "Just take your men; leave your children." "Just take your people; leave your animals." Then he changes his mind. Or he doesn't and all of his concessions are just talk. Troubling is that while the first 5 times Pharaoh hardens his heart himself, for the last 5 plagues God hardens Pharaoh's heart. Is he just confirming what Pharaoh has chosen to do?
Exodus 11. The death of the firstborn. God will do to Pharaoh's people what Pharaoh tried to do to God's people--kill their offspring.
Exodus 12. The first Passover. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts will be a sign for God to pass over that house. The celebration is laid out for future commemoration. This is the primary event of Judaism.
Psalm 20. A psalm calling for victory for the king just before a battle.
Matthew 21. Jesus make a memorable entrance into Jerusalem, then throws the profiteers out of the Temple. Then begin the debates. Jesus masters his opponents by utilizing a simple trick: staying focused on what is essential.
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