Lesson #20: Old Testament: Exodus

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.

GATHERING ACTIVITY:  Connect Bible Activity, part 1
Turn to page 92 and read the paragraph under Exodus 14:1-30 on that page.  This is the background for our story today.

DWELLING IN THE WORD:  Exodus 13:17-22, 14:5-30

Read Exodus 13:17-22 & 14:5-30 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:
Chapter 13

1. What did Pharaoh do to the people? (verse 17)
2. Where did God not lead them? (verse 17)  Why not?
3. Where did God lead the people? (verse 18)
4. For what were the Israelites prepared? (verse 18)
5. What did Moses take with him? (verse 19)
6. Where did the people camp? (verse 20)
7. Where did the Lord go? (verse 21)
8. In what two ways did the Lord appear? (verse 21)
9. What never left its place in front of the people? (verse 22)

Chapter 14

1. What changed? Why?  (verse 5)
2. What did Pharaoh do next? (verse 6)
3. What did he take with him? (verse 7)
4. What did the Lord do to Pharaoh? (verse 8)
5. What happened as Pharaoh drew near? (verse 10)
6. What did the people say? (verses 11-12)
7. What did Moses say? (verse 13)
8. What did Moses promise? (verse 14)
9. What did the Lord say to Moses? (verse 15)
10. What instruction did the Lord give to Moses? (verse 16)
11. What did the Lord promise to do? (verse 17)
12. What will the Egyptians know? (verse 18)
13. To where did the pillar move? (verse 20)
14. What did Moses do next? (verse 21)
15. What did the Lord do? (verse 21)
16. What did the people do? (verse 22)
17. What did the Egyptian army do? (verse 23)
18. What happened at the morning watch? (verse 24)
19. What happened to the chariot wheels? (verse 25)
20. What did the Egyptians say? (verse 25)
21. What did the Lord say to Moses? (verse 26)
22. What did Moses do? (verse 27)
23. Where did the Lord toss the Egyptians? (verse 27)
24. How many Egyptians remained? (verse 28)
25. Where did the Israelites walk? (verse 29)
26. Who did the Lord save? (verse 30)
27. What did the Israelites see? (verse 30)
28. Who did the people fear? (verse 31)
29. In whom did the people believe? (verse 31)

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 in danger, or a time that you went on a long trip, 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 92 and read the section in bold print as a class.  Then, complete the activity.  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:
F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Prayer.  In this week’s text, the Israelites go from slavery to freedom.  Write out the letters that spell “freedom” and write seven short prayers that begin with each letter.

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

• 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.
• Write a one sentence summary in your prayer journal. In this sentence, describe your answer to the question “What did you learn about in Confirmation class this week?” in as much detail as possible.
• Conclude your time together with the Lord’s Prayer.