Confirmation Lesson
Moses' Birth & Call
Opening Prayer
Release us from bondage, O Lord.
Release us from the bondage of sin and death, O Lord.
Release us from the bondage of selfishness and putting ourselves first.
Release us from ignoring our neighbors in need.
Release us from all the things that bind us.
Amen.
Exodus 1
Read Exodus 1:1-11
Underline, circle parts that stick out to you.
You can see mine here below.

The new king in Egypt made the Israelites (descendants of Jacob) slaves out of fear that they would rise up and overthrow the king and take over because there were so many of the Israelites now. Remember, God had promised to give the family many descendants - as many as there are stars in the sky - and God keeps God's promises!

To keep the Israelites numbers from growing so much, the king demanded that all newborn baby boys must be killed. How terrifying!

Watch the video below from the movie "Prince of Egypt".
Use your imagination to really think about
what it may have been like to be a part of the story!

Note some words/phrases that aren't as well known here:
Elohim: a name for God used frequently in the Hebrew Bible.
yaldi ha tov veh harach al tira veh al tifchad (that the mom sings to her baby): my good little child/boy, fear not and do not be afraid
What do you think?
  • Today’s session is going to focus on Moses. What do you know about the story of Moses?
  • How does this scene emphasize God’s attention to the prayers of both nations and individuals?
  • How have you experienced God hearing your prayers?
Exodus 2
Circle verses 23-25. Note that "God keeps God's promises"!
Read Genesis 2:11-25
Although he was raised in Pharaoh’s home in Egypt, Moses never forgot his identity as an Israelite. It is this fact that causes him to kill an Egyptian. He identified with Hebrew people, even when it meant hearing their cries and leaving Egypt to hide from Pharaoh. Moses belonged to two cultures and tried to build a bridge between them.

Underline some key parts. An example is shown to the left.
That's a big move from Egypt to Midian! Check it out...
Read Exodus 3:1-12
Underline, make notes on what sticks out to you.
Here's an example...
The story of Moses and the burning bush is one of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament. Moses, having fled Egypt, now lives in Midian. Like any other ordinary shepherd of the time, Moses tends the flocks of his new father-in-law. One day he sees a burning bush that does not turn into ash; he sees a miracle happening. As he approaches the bush, the Lord speaks to him. God identifies himself specifically as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is the God of Israel, who has not forgotten his covenant promises even though God’s people may have. In fear, Moses hides his face.
What Do You Think?...
• Does Moses immediately agree to what God is asking? Why or why not?
• What excuses does Moses use?
• How would you have reacted to God’s request? What excuses would you use?
Moses Returns to Egypt
Read Exodus 4:1-17
Underline, take notes, circle... what stands out to you? See the example below.
God tells Moses that he wants him to go back to Egypt and to rescue God’s people. Moses argues with God, listing reasons why he would not be a good choice for the job.
God still calls Moses and sends his brother, Aaron with to help.
Even after Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and demand, in God's name, that Pharaoh release God's people from slavery, Pharaoh says NO! Check out next week to see how God responds to ensure the freedom of God's people!
Things to Think About
What do you think about this...
  • How do you know that God hears and cares about the people in the world who are suffering?
  • How can prayer help people who are suffering?
  • What could you do this week to learn more about people who are in need of being freed from bondage?
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, you can email Leisha at ltays@oursaviourslc.org