When we read the story of Exodus, we see a picture of God’s heart for freedom. The Israelites were trapped in slavery, and God sent Moses to lead them out. Pharaoh’s pride led to a series of plagues, ending in the death of every firstborn in Egypt. But God made a way out for His people: by painting the blood of a spotless lamb on their doorposts, death would pass over them.
Before this moment, God made a powerful promise in Exodus 6:6-7:
“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God...”
Every Passover, every year, these four promises are remembered, through the drinking of 4 cups
Cup 1 – Sanctification
“I will bring you out”
Jesus calls us out of sin and into life (John 17:14-19)
Cup 2 – Deliverance
“I will free you”
Jesus breaks the power of sin over our lives (Romans 6:6-7)
Cup 3 – Redemption
“I will redeem you”
Through His blood, we are redeemed (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Cup 4 – Praise (Fulfillment)
“I will take you as my people”
Future: Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9)
When Jesus shared the cup at the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27-29, He said He wouldn’t drink again until the day He drinks it new with us in the Father’s kingdom. That Fourth Cup—it’s still waiting for us. But while we wait, we testify. We share what He’s done. We were blind, but now we see. We don’t live like He’s still on the cross but we live in the power of the empty tomb.