A141 – Pentecost 12 (Exod 1:8-2:10, Ps 124, Mt 16:13-20)

Themes of fear, power, enslavement, genocide, and hope for liberation begin early in Exodus setting the tone for what will follow. We focus on the midwives who use their domestic context and skills to thwart the plans of powerful men by rescuing Moses, much like Irena Sendler during WW2.  We unpack some of the images in Matthew 16:13-20, a text which highlights the role of Peter and, metaphorically, the church in continuing the ministry of Jesus. We look at the church’s call to be a place of forgiveness, welcome, and life in the midst of death. We refer to this video and this book on Exodus by Joel Baden.