Manna and the Bread of Life (part 1)

Hey guys, this is the first in our series of Manna and the Bread of Life. I shared this bible study on the 10th of October and it basically marks our group's mission and vision: to feed on the word of God daily. Wanna know why we're called Manna? That's cuz it's the supernatural bread that God gave to the Israelites everyday. And guess what? It was only good for one day so they were constantly depending on God for their subsistence. In the same way, we should also rely on God everyday in everything we do! (Answers to the questions are italicised, letters in parentheses refer to the related reflection question below)

Manna and the Bread of Life (Part 1) : God answers needs with Grace

10^th October 2008

Passage: Exodus 16

Introduction

Has there ever been a time when you were in need? What happened and what did you do?

What’s your favourite type of bread or pastry?

Orientation

Where did this story take place?

The desert of Sin

When did it take place?

Just after they crossed the Red sea

Who is involved in this story?

God, Moses, Aaron and the Israelites

Scripture

Why were the Israelites upset?

(a) They were hungry and probably upset at having to endure the hardship of marching and camping.

How did God respond to the people’s cries?

(b) He was gracious and kind and promised to provide for them.

Why did God say to the Israelites in verse 5 to gather twice as much on the 6^th day?

The 7th day was to be a day of rest and no one was to gather food on that day, hence the 6th day had twice as much food for the people.

Why did God wish to test the Israelites?

To build the Israelites up and teach them about faith. What is faith? It is simply relying and trusting in God for everything. Remember, testing is from the Lord and is meant to build you up. Trials are from the sin in this world and sometimes the devil. Trials are meant to tear you down.

What is the implication of verses 6-8?

© When we grumble or complain to our leaders, do we actually grumble to them or to God? Also, Moses pointed out the Israelites' lack of faith by saying "then you shall know that Lord brought you out of Egypt"

Verse 12 speaks of a promise and a confirmation. What are they?

There will be food and then they should know that the Lord is God!

Verse 15: Israelites were confused! The ‘bread’ that came must have been so strange to them. They were probably expecting Greggs pasties littered on the floor.

Verse 16: What were the specific instructions to the Israelites regarding the gathering of manna? How much is an omer? What do the following verses say about how much the Israelites gathered?

(d) Gather an omer for each person in the tent. An omer is about 6 litres. They gathered as much as they wanted. Please remember that, God gives you as much as YOU want. By how much you collect, you shall also receive.

Verse 20: What happened when the people tried to keep hoard manna? (e) How did Moses respond? How did God respond?

It stank and had maggots. Moses was pissed! God remained silent. See how patient God is?

Verse 27: What’s happening here? How did God respond this time?

The Israelites tried to go out and collect on the Sabbath. God was disappointed with the Israelites this time and He openly asked how long it would take for the Israelites to trust Him. (Amazingly this all happened just after they walked through the Red sea. Miracles must've been commonplace the if they can so quickly forget it...) Actually it does tell us that we do stupid things when we are vulnerable and good examples include: when we are depressed, scared, hungry, tired, angry. You get the idea.

Turn your Bible so that the pages touch the table. Name the 6 characteristics of manna.

Small, White like a coriander seed, as thin as frost, sweet like honey, tasted like wafers and round

Why did God ask Moses to keep an omer of manna? Where was it stored eventually?

As an object of remembrance of God's provision. It was stored in the Ark of the Covenant along with the two tablets of the ten commandments and Aaron's staff. Read Hebrews 9:4

This wasn’t the only time the Israelites complained about manna. See Numbers 11:4-15 and Numbers 21:4-9

Reflection

Do I complain a lot about life? How should I respond to life’s challenges instead of complaining?

What is the heart of God in this account

When we moan and complain, do we know where ur faith lies at that moment? Does this mean we should never ask God for help?

When God delivers, does He supply every need? Think of one incident where God has provided you with much more than you asked for.

Why did the manna stink after a day (with the exception of the 6^th day)? Read Deu 8:3

Application

Rely on God for everything

Rely on Him EVERYDAY

Trust in Him by faith in Him alone and not faith in faith.

Know that God is your provider. He is Jehovah Jireh!

Outro

When did the provision of manna end? Read Joshua 5:12

What did you notice about the number of Israelites punished by God during this period?

Nobody died during the expedition from Egypt UNTIL the law was given at Mount Sinai. The people were living under grace during this period.

What was manna a sign of that is eventually reflected in the New Testament?

Manna is a sign of the qualities of Jesus. Refer to next week's cell group.