Bible ReadingExodus 3:7–8 “The LORD said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.’”
[41:09]John 6:35 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
[53:11]Matthew 6:9–13 “‘This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’””
[01:08:00]Exodus 13:17–18, 21–22 “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. The LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”
[45:43]Ephesians 6:10–17 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
[01:02:37]Observation questions- In Exodus 3:7–8, what does God say he has seen, heard, and known about his people before he tells Moses about the land ahead?
- What reasons does Exodus 13 give for God leading Israel by the longer desert road rather than the shorter route through Philistine country? [47:08]
- According to John 6:35, what does Jesus promise to those who come to him and believe in him? How is Jesus described in the passage? [53:07]
- In the Lord’s Prayer, which requests connect with a destination, direction, provision, forgiveness, and protection? [01:08:21]
Interpretation questions- God promised Israel a good and spacious land while they were still suffering in Egypt. How might a clear picture of God’s promised future change the way a person endures a long or painful season? [42:40]
- Exodus 13 shows that God’s route was longer but safer because he understood dangers Israel could not yet see. What might it look like for a believer to trust God when a delayed, difficult, or unexpected path may be the better path? [47:22]
- Jesus calls himself the bread of life, not merely someone who gives bread. What does this suggest about the difference between receiving help from Jesus and depending on Jesus himself for life? [54:11]
- Ephesians 6 says that the deepest struggle is not against flesh and blood. How could this truth change the way believers respond when they feel hurt, opposed, tempted, or frustrated by another person? [01:02:07]
Application questions- Every person travels through different terrain: wilderness, mountaintops, valleys, and places in between. What terrain best describes this season of life for you? Where have you noticed that God is present with you in it? [36:27]
- God’s kingdom gives a compelling destination, and Jesus offers eternal life and abundant life. Where do you most need hope that God’s goodness is not only future, but can be tasted even now? [43:34]
- Is there an area where you have been trying to choose the quickest or easiest route—perhaps in work, relationships, health, finances, or ministry? What could it mean to pray honestly, “Not my will, but your will be done,” in that situation? [49:56]
- What lesser source have you been tempted to treat as bread or water for your soul—approval, achievement, comfort, entertainment, control, or something else? What would it look like to come to Jesus for sustenance this week? [54:23]
- Which rhythm would most help make your life sustainable right now: Sabbath rest, prayer, Scripture, worship, generosity, serving, solitude, forgiveness, or celebration? What is one small and realistic way you could begin or renew it? [59:24]
- Is there a hurt, resentment, or unresolved conflict that has become heavy baggage on your journey? What step toward receiving God’s forgiveness or extending forgiveness to someone else may be needed? [01:09:41]
- Where do you feel unprepared for a battle right now? Which part of God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Scripture, or prayer—do you especially need to take up? [01:06:54]
