PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365 – Day 43: Exodus 11 & 12 | Matthew 27:11-44 | Psalm 27
Date: February 16, 2026
Host: Erika Kirk (with Pastoral Advisor James Kaddis)
Overview
This episode focuses on several pivotal moments in biblical history: the final plague upon Egypt and institution of the Passover (Exodus 11–12), Jesus’s trial and crucifixion (Matthew 27:11–44), and the confidence and hope central to Psalm 27. The episode weaves together these readings to highlight themes of deliverance, sacrifice, judgement, and trusting in God amidst fear and suffering.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Exodus 11: The Final Plague is Foretold
- God promises one last plague ([00:03]): God informs Moses that Pharaoh will soon drive Israel out entirely.
- Moses is told to have the Israelites ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold jewelry ([01:00]), demonstrating God’s favor even in the face of oppression.
- Announcement of the Tenth Plague: Every Egyptian firstborn will die, marking an unprecedented event, while Israel will be spared (“that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel,” [02:20]).
- Moses leaves Pharaoh in anger ([03:03]), and Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.
2. Exodus 12: The Institution of the Passover
- A new beginning for Israel ([03:50]): “This month shall be for you the beginning of months.” The Passover marks a new calendar and spiritual start.
- Passover instruction:
- Each family to select a lamb “without blemish,” to be sacrificed and its blood applied to doorposts ([04:20]).
- Eating instructions—roast with unleavened bread and bitter herbs; all to be eaten in haste, ready for departure ([05:15]).
- “It is the Lord’s Passover...the blood shall be a sign for you...when I see the blood, I will pass over you” ([05:50]).
- Feast of Unleavened Bread ([06:50]): A perpetual memorial; no leaven in homes for seven days, symbolizing purity and haste of departure.
- Moses instructs the elders: Ritual use of hyssop and blood; God will not allow “the destroyer” to strike the Israelites ([07:45]).
- Generational remembrance: “You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and your sons forever” ([08:20]).
- The Tenth Plague strikes: Death of all Egyptian firstborns ([09:00]); Pharaoh demands Israel depart and even requests a blessing ([09:45]).
- The Exodus begins: Israelites leave in haste, “plundering” Egyptians ([10:10]) and departing after 430 years of sojourn ([11:20]).
- Passover’s restrictions: Only those under God’s covenant may eat ([12:00]); detailed inclusion/exclusion laws.
- Concluding emphasis: Obedience and God’s deliverance: “On that very day, the Lord brought the people of Israel out of Egypt” ([12:45]).
3. Matthew 27:11–44: Jesus on Trial and Crucifixion
- Jesus before Pilate ([13:00]):
- Pilate’s question: "Are you the king of the Jews?"—Jesus replies, "You have said so" ([13:05]).
- Jesus’s silence before accusations “greatly amazed” the governor ([13:20]).
- The choice between Barabbas and Jesus ([13:45]):
- Pilate knows the charges are out of envy.
- Pilate’s wife has a troubling dream: "Have nothing to do with that righteous man..." ([14:10]).
- The crowd, swayed by the chief priests, chooses Barabbas. When Pilate asks what to do with Jesus, the crowd demands, "Let him be crucified!" ([15:00]).
- Pilate washes his hands: "I am innocent of this man's blood..." to which the crowd replies, "His blood be on us and on our children!" ([15:35]).
- Jesus is mocked by soldiers ([16:00]):
- They dress him in a scarlet robe, place a crown of thorns, mockingly kneel: “Hail, King of the Jews!” ([16:20])
- They spit on, beat, and strip him before leading him away.
- Crucifixion at Golgotha ([17:00]):
- Simon of Cyrene carries the cross.
- Garments divided by casting lots; the charge displayed: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” ([17:30]).
- Passersby mock: "You who would destroy the temple...save yourself!" ([18:00])
- Chief priests and elders jeer: "He saved others; he cannot save himself..." ([18:20])
- Both robbers crucified with him also revile him.
4. Psalm 27: Confidence in God
- Opening declaration ([19:10]): “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
- God’s protection ([19:30]): Confidence that enemies will stumble; resolve not to fear even if war arises.
- Desire for God’s presence ([19:45]): “One thing have I asked...to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”
- God’s shelter and lifting up of the faithful ([20:10])
- Plea for God’s presence and guidance: “Your face, Lord, do I seek...Hide not your face from me...” ([20:45])
- Hope and endurance ([21:30]): “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “That you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.” (Exodus 11, [02:20])
- “The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you.” (Exodus 12, [05:50])
- “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” – Pilate (Matthew 27, [15:35])
- “His blood be on us and on our children.” – The crowd (Matthew 27, [15:40])
- “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.” (Matthew 27, [18:20])
- “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27, [19:10])
- “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27, [21:30])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Exodus 11 – The Coming Final Plague: [00:03–03:30]
- Exodus 12 – Passover Instructions & The Exodus: [03:50–13:00]
- Matthew 27:11–44 – Jesus before Pilate and Crucifixion: [13:00–18:50]
- Psalm 27 – The Lord is My Light and Salvation: [19:10–21:50]
Summary Takeaway
The episode draws together the Old Testament narrative of liberation through sacrifice and God’s protection (Passover/Exodus), and its New Testament echo in Christ’s innocent suffering and redemptive sacrifice on the cross. These texts are unified by the call to remember God’s faithfulness and to rely on Him in moments of fear, injustice, and uncertainty—culminating in the profound declaration of trust and hope found in Psalm 27.
