Numbers 10:11-12:16

We're starting a new series this term, on the book of Numbers. Numbers continues the story from the end of the book of Exodus - God's people have been saved out of Egypt, they've received the law at Sinai, and now they're about to embark on their journey to the promised land.

• What were some of the highlights for you from reading through Exodus this year (and last year)?

Check out this mini-sermon from Tim Keller about the Gospel in Numbers:

• What do you expect to learn or think about more from reading this book?

• What do you hope it will help change for you in your life with God?

Read Numbers 11:4-34

The story of the giving of Manna was back in Exodus 16. A year has passed in the story since that happened. The people are living in freedom, yet they are still not in the Promised Land.

• What do you think of the Israelites' desire for more variety? Do you think you would you have complained too?

  • What does this aspect of the story show us about human nature?

• What is the significance of the people saying, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?"

Many commentators point out the parallel in our own lives, that as Christians we crave 'the food of Egypt' by longing for aspects of our past, or the things of this world.

• What do you think of this idea? Is this something you've experienced?

Read Romans 6:15-23

• How do Paul's words here resonate with the situation in Numbers 11? Why would we continue to obey our sinful nature when we have been set free from it?

• How do we choose to obey the righteousness we have received in Jesus? What does that look like practically in our lives day by day?

• What do you think of Moses' reaction and his prayer (Numbers 11:10-16)? What do you think it was about this situation that made Moses react this way?

  • What does this aspect of the story show us about human nature?

• How does God respond to the people? And how does He respond to Moses?

  • What does this teach us about God's character and his heart for both holiness and grace?

• Spend some time praying for one another - pray that God help us to live rightly in the 'now-but-not-yet' of the wilderness, as we long for the promised land of the culmination of the Kingdom of God.