It’s the return of the long-lost son. After years of exile in Midian, Moses shows up in Egypt again. He meets with the Israelites and informs them of God’s plan to liberate them. But Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, isn’t so easily convinced. Instead, he doubles down, making the Israelites’ oppression even harsher. But God’s not giving up, and he says as much to Moses. Instead, he gets him ready for round two of the coming showdown with Pharaoh.

If you’re looking to go deeper into our study of Exodus or experience of Lent, two of the books I read in preparation for this series might be helpful: Leaving Egypt by Chuck DeGroat and Great Lent by Alexander Schmemann.