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In Parshat Bo, we complete the last three plagues, yet there seems to be a significant shift of focus.
Below we are going to address three different questions which will help us understand the new concept of this week’s parsha.

1. Our parsha begins by giving a new motive for the plagues –

“…so that you may relate in the ears of your son and your son’s son that I made a mockery of Egypt and My signs that I placed among them – that you may know that I am Hashem.” (Shemot 10:2)
According to this pasuk, the goal of the plagues is to teach the next generation of all the wonders that Hashem did in Egypt. Why does storytelling to our grandkids become the focus now?

2. As we continue onward in the Parsha, Bnei Yisrael are given the commandment to sanctify the new moon. Why are they receiving this commandment now, while they are still slaves in Egypt? What does this even have to do with the plagues?
3. Following that commandment, we learn about the Korban Pesach and putting the blood on the doorposts. Hashem will see the blood and therefore know which houses to pass over. Doesn’t Hashem know which houses belong to Bnei Yisrael?! Why does G-d need a special sign?

What is this all about? What is happening in our Parsha?
I believe the answer to all these questions lies in the fact that in this week’s parsha the plagues are not just to enable Bnei Yisrael to leave Egypt and worship Hashem but rather  the  focus changes from the Egyptians to Bnei Yisrael. Bnei Yisrael need to begin preparing to exit Egypt. To do so, it is time for them to begin taking initiatives after all the years of  slavery in Egypt.
 
Bnei Yisrael  need to learn about their responsibility toward their future generations, they need to begin accepting new commandments as Hashem’s nation, they need to understand the concept of the lunar months and responsibility of time.
Lastly and most importantly, they need to make their own choice and choose to be part of the nation. Putting blood on the doorpost is not for G-d to know who is part of Bnei Yisrael, rather it is each individual from Bnei Yisrael making a statement that he wants to be part of the Jewish nation. Hashem will then look over the houses and see who made that decision.
 
Being part of Bnei Yisrael is both a privilege and a responsibility. This parsha expresses the first critical steps in the long journey and learning experience Bnei Yisrael will have to go through to become a nation, receive the Torah and ultimately reach and enter Israel.