God rained bread down from heaven to provide for his people in the desert. If you have found it hard to remember where God is providing currently, this is a great reminder... and a hope for our horizon. Let's run to Jesus, who said "I am the bread that comes down from heaven", and remember how he is providing for us.
Discussion Questions
We’re all tired of quarantine, yet they spent 40 years in the desert eating manna. Does that make you more compassionate with how quickly the people complain (v.3)? How could they be so quick to grumble after all God has done to bring them out of Egypt? What are some places currently in your life in which you find it hard to be thankful?
God does not call us to be thankful for everything, but to give thanks in all situations (1 Thess.5:18). Is that a distinction without difference? What is so bad about thankless people? Why would thanklessness among his people be a serious concern for God? How might this time in the desert be a way of healing his people (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)? How about for you during this time in quarantine?
Why do you think God chooses food as a graphic depiction of our relationship with him (Matthew 4:4)? Consider the graphic reality of how food affects our body (digestion, getting "hangry", etc.). What are some parallels in our spiritual lives?
What is God's primary goal in providing for his people (v.12)? Considering God is omnipotent, and could provide for his people in any way, what does the manner in which he provides show us? Why require people to gather the manna rather than simply appear on their table or in their bellies? What is he cultivating in his people? What are some parallels in our spiritual lives?
God says that he is testing his people (v.4). How is this a test? And who does it benefit? Does God need to test people because he doesn't know? If he does know, what is he revealing about his character? Is this just a "read the directions carefully" sort of test? How might this be similar to the Socratic method of teaching (i.e., primarily interrogative)?
The Israelites live off this ongoing miracle for 40 years (v.35). Considering not everyone could gather food daily, how would this become a communal event? What would it say about the community if some were malnourished? How might that be a commentary on spiritual malnourishment among Christians? How could we have a communal form of feasting that drives the reality of what God has done for us deeper & deeper into our hearts?
God also commands them to set some aside a jar for future generations (v.32). What does this say about God's long-term vision for his people? How is this miracle for those who were not even there? In John 6, Jesus repeatedly says he is the Bread that came down from heaven. How does his life, death & resurrection become a feast of joy for us - people who also were not there when it happened?
Why would God give a grace that cannot be earned by our works, yet still want a people who participate in his work?
What did you need to hear in the sermon?
