God makes all things new. The Passover teaches us three powerful truths. First, a new beginning: it’s time to forget the past and move forward, no matter how long you’ve waited or how many times you’ve failed. Second, a new identity: you no longer belong to the darkness or to oppression. You belong to God. You are his child, and he will never leave you or forsake you. Third, a new community: you don’t walk alone. When you fall, your Father hears your cry and comes running to carry you. God brings us out together, not as individuals but as family.
Readings:
Exodus 12:1-14 – The Passover. The Lord instructs Moses and Aaron: the month is the first month of the year. On the tenth day, each household takes a lamb. On the 14th day, they slaughter it at twilight. They put blood on the doorframes and eat the meat roasted with bitter herbs and unleavened bread, ready to flee. That night God passes through Egypt, striking down the firstborn, but passes over houses marked with blood. This is commemorated as a lasting festival.
Matthew 18:15-20 – Dealing with sin in the church. If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault privately. If they listen, you’ve won them over. If not, take one or two others. If still refused, tell the church. If they refuse to listen to the church, treat them as a pagan or tax collector. Whatever you bind or loose on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven. If two or three agree about anything they ask, it will be done by the Father. Where two or three gather in Jesus’s name, he is among them.