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Call to worship: Micah 5:2-5

Text: Exodus 16:1-21

Summary:

Israel has left Egypt and finds itself longing for the "comforts" of Egypt. God promises to give them meat and bread from heaven, but intends to test them as to whether their hearts are truly with him. Do they just want food? Or are does he have their hearts? Will they obey, or will they ignore God in their effort to serve themselves?

Sermon Outline:

1. Grumbling along the way
2. But they did not listen
3. Not what they asked for

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Exodus 16. What is the problem introduced in the passage? What is God's response? In what ways do the people fail to understand God's grace and provision? How does god's approach help them to understand his end goal?
2. What in this passage directs Israel towards a proper understanding of God and his work? How does it point to a humble and appropriate fear in worship?
3. How does the provision of manna test Israel's relationship with God? In what ways does Israel fail God's test?
4. What do we learn about leading people under God's ultimate direction? How does this passage help us deal with criticism in a Christlike fashion? What spiritual fruits support and enable unity in the church?
5. Read John 6. How does Jesus interact with this episode in Israel's history to confront his hearers and disciples? How do we see the person of Jesus highlighted through John's account? How is the work of Christ applied?