2011 Lent Study Guide - University Presbyterian Church

How might the number of days between the crossing of the Red Sea and this experience with
manna and quail have affected the Israelite’s response? (Ch. 16:1)
What were the rules God set out for harvesting the manna?
What does it mean?
What might it mean that God “tested” the Israelites in verse 4?
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:32-59). Discuss how these words might relate to the
provision of the bread as we see it in Exodus.
The bread and quail were important in building up the Israelites. Why did God use the provision
of food to “test” the Israelites?
Show DVD: Week Five: A Bread to Build
What does it mean to me?
In this passage, George and Renée saw the provision of bread as an important marker about
God building us up. How are you “built up” (Col. 2:7) in your faith?
From Exodus, the desert became symbolic of many experiences in life. Have you ever had a
desert experience? How did you respond to it?
We are built up and gathered together in order to be sent out—to be the love of God in the
world. How has this process been tangible in your life?
What’s Happening in the Next Week?
One antidote for grumbling and complaining is to foster gratitude. If you’ve been keeping a
journal, take time to express gratitude for the people and experiences or things in your life that
are markers of God’s sustaining work.
Next time you read the Bible, think of it as bread for you—God’s word to you.
Next time you eat a meal, think of it as God’s provision to build you up in order to send you out.
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Week Five: A Bread to Build