From the Book of Exodus THE MOSES STORY

 The Prince of Egypt refers to the Exodus story from the Bible  The word “Exodus” means “to exit”  This is the story of Moses  Moses was a descendant of Abraham and therefore he upheld the covenant between the Hebrew people and God (Yahweh)  He is important because:  He is a Prophet (He brought revelation from God)  God revealed himself to him  He completely trusted God  God acted in the world to protect the covenant people  He is our example of the Kingdom of God. PRINCE OF EGYPT

 Moses meets Miriam (his sister) and she tells him that she was born a Hebrew.  He is shocked to hear this (identity crisis) because he begins to identify with the Hebrew people.  For the first time he witnesses their pain and suffering as slaves to the Pharaoh (which he supported and was part of). EVENT 1 MOSES DISCOVERS HIS IDENTITY

 Moses retreats to the Desert  There he meets his wife Zipporah and his new family.  The most important moment is when he retreats to a cave to pray and God appears:  God appears in the form of the burning bush  Moses removes his shoes because he is on sacred ground  God tells him His Name: “I am who I am” (translation Yahweh)  wrel wrel  Moses realizes that he has a purpose: to free the Hebrews (his people from slavery) THE BURNING BUSH

 With strength and power from God, Moses returns to Egypt and confronts Ramses (who is now the Pharaoh).  Moses asks Ramses to “let his people go”.  Ramses is stubborn. He refuses because his power relies on the slavery of the Hebrew people. How else will the kingdom be built.  God sends 10 plagues to demonstrate His strength: THE TEN PLAGUES

 Even after all the plagues Ramses continued to refuse.  Finally, God told Moses to tell all the Hebrews to mark their homes with lamb’s blood.  The Angel of Death would Passover the homes marked with blood but all other homes the angel would take the first-born son.  Pharaoh’s son’s life was taken. Pharaoh told Moses to: “take his people and GO!” THE TENTH PLAGUE

 The Hebrews were saved because of the lamb’s blood.  Jesus is often referred to as the “lamb of God”. Jesus’ blood saves us.  Jewish people (the Hebrews later become Jews) celebrate the Passover around the same time we celebrate Easter.  Jesus was celebrating the Passover when he broke the bread and drank wine with his Disciples.  When we have mass we remember our covenant with God which is a reminder of this story. CONNECTIONS TO JESUS

 Pharaoh has a change of heart! He calls the Egyptian soldiers to round up the Hebrews and bring them back.  By this point, Moses has made it to the Red Sea.  God parts the Red Sea so that the Hebrews can safely arrive on the other side.  Once to safety, Moses leaves the Hebrews to pray on the Mountaintop. He receives the 10 Commandments from God.  These commandments are the new covenant/rules to be followed if you want to live under God’s protection.  THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA

 In the movie, the two main characters of Moses and Ramses represent two different value systems. Moses represents a value system that places importance on God and acting in a way that is pleasing to God. Ramses represents people who place the most value on material things, personal power and themselves.  Complete the Character Profile on your handout comparing character traits of Moses and Ramses VALUES IN THE PRINCE OF EGYPT

KINGDOM OF GODKINGDOM OF THE WORLD Moses Refers to people working together to make God’s will a reality Their goal was to bring freedom to the Hebrews This shows that God will show the way to people who live by faith The people needed to trust that they are loved by God when they were in the desert Ramses Refers to a person who works toward their own wealth and power Use the Hebrews for his own desire and will Angry and stubborn because he can’t control the situation Needs power and attention to feel loved VALUES IN THE PRINCE OF EGYPT

 “I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God.” Mother Teresa KINGDOM OF GOD OR THE WORLD?

 Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There's a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning. Bill Gates KINGDOM OF GOD OR THE WORLD?

 Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. Dalai Lama KINGDOM OF GOD OR THE WORLD?

 Fortunately we're not a public company - we're a private group of companies, and I can do what I want.  Richard Branson Richard Branson KINGDOM OF GOD OR THE WORLD?

 Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.  Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi KINGDOM OF GOD OR THE WORLD?

 Brainstorm some ideas… WHAT IS A VALUE?

 Reflect…what are the 10 most important things to you?  Narrow that list down to 5…  Narrow that list down to 3…  Narrow that down to 1… WHAT DO YOU VALUE?

 A value is… OUR DEFINITION OF A VALUE…