Final answer:
Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, culminating in the Passover and the Exodus—a pivotal event commemorated by Jews. This story has parallels to the last days of Jesus, whose death and resurrection are seen by Christians as a spiritual deliverance, coincidentally occurring during Passover.
Step-by-step explanation:
Summary of Moses and the Exodu
The story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt begins with the Hebrews' descent into Egypt around 1800 BCE and subsequent enslavement. Moses, born a Hebrew but raised as Egyptian royalty, ultimately demands the release of his people after a series of plagues, notably the death of the firstborn of Egypt, which spared the Israelites who marked their doors—a story told during Passover. After the
Pharaoh's reluctant consent, the Israelites begin their exodus, undergoing a gruelling journey including the parting of the Red Sea and a 40-year sojourn in the desert, where they receive the Ten Commandments and enter into a covenant with Yahweh.
Connection to Jesus' Last Days
The exodus story resonates with early Christians who viewed Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection as a form of salvation from spiritual slavery, drawing parallels between Moses striking the rock to provide water and Jesus providing 'living water' for spiritual life. The notion of Jesus as the messiah echoed the liberation Moses brought, but with a focus on spiritual rather than political salvation. The week of Jesus' death coincides with Passover, symbolically aligning his sacrifice with the Jewish story of deliverance.