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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Discussion Questions

1. Humor and Scripture

• Pastor Mark suggests that parts of the Bible are meant to be humorous, and that we often miss the joke because we don’t expect it.
  • Have you ever encountered humor in Scripture before? If so, where?
  • How might humor open us up to deeper spiritual truths or catch us off guard in a helpful way?
  • Why do you think it’s important that we approach the Bible with curiosity and openness to unexpected interpretations?

2. Deception, Identity, and Family Dynamics

• In this story, Jacob deceives his father Isaac with help from his mother Rebekah, disrupting birthright norms.
  • What emotions or reactions do you have to this act of deception?
  • Have you ever felt like you had to “prove” yourself to receive something you already deserved or hoped for?
  • How do family dynamics—favorites, rivalry, expectations—shape our understanding of identity and worth?

3. Striving vs. Receiving

• Pastor Mark suggests that Jacob’s mistake—and often ours—is fighting for something already given.
  • What are the “rabbits” you feel you’re chasing in your life?
  • What would it look like to live from a place of already being blessed, instead of always striving?
  • How does the idea of grace challenge the belief that we must “earn” God’s love or success?

4. The Ladder and God’s Presence

• Jacob dreams of a ladder with angels ascending and descending—yet it is God who comes down and stands beside him.
  • What does it mean to you that God comes down the ladder to meet Jacob where he is?
  • Have you ever had a moment where you realized God was present in a place you hadn’t expected?
  • How might we begin to trust that God is already with us, not just waiting at the top of the ladder?

5. Blessing and Becoming a Blessing

• God tells Jacob: not only are you blessed, but you will be a blessing to others.
  • What’s the difference between receiving a blessing and being a blessing?
  • How do you see yourself living as a blessing in your community, family, or workplace?
  • What unique gifts might God be calling you to share right now?

6. Applying the Sermon

• Pastor Mark uses humor, storytelling, and a Fred Craddock parable to challenge how we see ourselves and our spiritual journeys.
  • What part of the sermon surprised you, challenged you, or made you laugh?
  • What is one thing you will carry with you this week from this sermon?
  • How can we, as a church, encourage one another to stop chasing the “not-real rabbits” and instead trust the love that already surrounds us?

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