Discussion Questions:

1. Waiting, Fear, and the Golden Calf:

• The Israelites became anxious when Moses delayed coming down from the mountain. Why do you think uncertainty and waiting can make people turn toward false comforts or quick solutions?
• What “golden calves” do people today sometimes rely on for security, certainty, or control?

2. God’s Mercy and Anger:

• The sermon explores the ancient rabbinic question: “Does God pray?” and suggests that God prays for mercy to outweigh anger. What do you think about this image of God?
• How does this passage challenge or deepen your understanding of God’s character?

3. Freedom and Love:

• The sermon suggests that God gives humanity freedom because love cannot be forced or coerced. How do you respond to that idea?
• In what ways have you experienced both the beauty and difficulty of human freedom?

4. Arguing with God:

• Moses disputes with God and reminds God of compassion and mercy. The sermon suggests that arguing with God can actually be an act of faith. How does that idea sit with you?
• Have you ever wrestled honestly with God through anger, doubt, grief, or disappointment? What did that experience teach you?

5. Partnership with God:

• The sermon claims that “God chooses not to be God without us.” What do you think this means?
• How might this understanding change the way we think about prayer, justice, compassion, or responsibility in the world?

6. Applying the Sermon:

• The sermon challenges the idea that “God will fix everything” while we remain passive. Where do you feel called to participate more actively in God’s work of healing and compassion?
• This week, how can you practice loving God and loving others in ways that reflect the mercy and compassion described in the sermon?

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Discussion Questions

1. Experiencing the Wilderness

• The sermon compared our modern lives to the Israelites’ time in the wilderness. What does “wilderness” look like for you today?
• Pastor Mark shared Barbara Brown Taylor’s idea that we don’t choose the wilderness—it happens to us. Have you ever felt thrown into a wilderness season? What was that like?

2. Hangry Faith

• The Israelites’ physical hunger made them forget God’s faithfulness. Pastor Mark joked about being “hangry” and reminded us we’re not ourselves when we’re hungry. How do your spiritual or emotional needs impact your faith and relationships?
• When have you, like the Israelites, forgotten past blessings during present stress? What helped you remember again?

3. Daily Bread vs. Long-Term Security

• God offers daily bread—not monthly or yearly—and invites us to trust. Why do you think it’s difficult to live with “just enough”?
• How does this challenge or reshape your understanding of God’s provision in your own life?

4. Recognizing God’s Gifts

• The Israelites received manna and asked, “What is it?” Have you ever missed or misjudged an answered prayer because it didn’t look how you expected?
• How can we become more aware of the “manna” God places in our lives today?

5. Serving One Another

• Pastor Mark invited us to serve one another communion in a “holy exchange.” How can we better serve and recognize God’s presence in our neighbors?
• In your life this week, who might be hungry—spiritually or emotionally—and how can you offer “bread”?

6. Applying the Sermon

• What is one tangible way you can trust God’s provision this week?
• How can RPPC—as a community—create space for others to receive “daily bread,” both spiritually and materially?

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