Lesson #19: Old Testament: Moses

HIGHS AND LOWS:
Write down one high and one low from your week in your prayer journal.  Pastor Breen or a student volunteer will gather them in prayer.

LENTEN WORSHIP CHALLENGE:
For the next five weeks, we will be studying the story of Moses.  As we study, be mindful that these are the same stories that we will be sharing during our midweek Lenten services in February and March.  What are some creative ways that you would tell this story or help someone else to experience it in a new way?  Keep these questions in mind as we study tonight.

CONNECT BIBLE ACTIVITY, part 1:  Turn in your Connect Bible to page 77 and read the two paragraphs of background information under “Exodus 3:1-12.”

DWELLING IN THE WORD:  Exodus 3:1-14
Read Exodus 3:1-14 from the New Revised Standard version of the Bible.  Underline things you have questions about.  Circle things you like or would like to discuss more.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What was Moses’ job at the beginning of this story? (verse 1)
2. Who was Moses’ father –in –law? What was his occupation? (verse 1)
3. Where did Moses lead his flock? (verse 1)
4. Where did Moses and the flock come to? (verse 1)
5. What/who appeared to Moses? (verse 2)
6. What did it look like? (verse 2)
7. What did Moses say when he saw this happen? (verse 3)
8. Who called to Moses? (verse 4)
9. What did the voice command Moses to do? (verse 5)
10. Who was the voice?  (verse 6)
11. How did Moses react to this? (verse 6)
12. What had the voice heard? (verse 7)
13. Why had the voice come down? (verse 8)
14. Who was oppressing the Israelites? (verse 9)
15. What is God going to do about the oppression? (verse 10)
16. How did Moses react to this? (verse 11)
17. What does God promise Moses? (verse 12)
18. Where will Moses worship in the end? (verse 12)
19. What does Moses want to know? (verse 13)
20. What name for God does God give to Moses? (verse 14)

Content Questions: Answer the following questions as completely as possible (group activity:  do this with your parents):

What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text?

What is my favorite part of this text?  Why?

What stories or memories does this text stir up in you?  You might remember a time when you were asked to do something you weren’t sure you were qualified to do, or a time when you felt like you were on holy ground, for example.

What is God doing in this text?  What is God up to?

CONNECT BIBLE ACTIVITY, part 2:  Turn in your Connect Bible to page 77 and read the section under “This is a burning bush.”  Then, complete the activity described in bold.  Share your work with the class (take a copy to show to Pastor Breen if you do this activity at home)

OUT LOUD PRAYER/LIGHTING THE CANDLE:
Birthday Candle Prayer:  Make a burning bush of prayer out of a container of sand and birthday candles.  The first candle is for your favorite name for God.  The other candles are for what God is calling you to do or to be (like Moses!).

LENTEN WORSHIP CHALLENGE:
How will we invite people into this story during our midweek Lenten services this year?  A skit?  A dramatic retelling?  Multimedia music/videos/graphics?  A craft project?  A prayer experience?

TALKING TO GOD/TAKING IT HOME

1. During this week, in your prayers, try using “I AM WHO I AM” as your title for God. Make a special effort to emphasize “hallowed be thy name” when you pray the Lord’s Prayer this week.