The Lord Speaks to Moses from a Burning Bush

Even though Moses grew into adulthood in the Pharaoh’s palace, he always knew he was a Hebrew. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian for his own safety. During the next forty years, he married and helped care for his father-in-law’s sheep. One day, the Lord spoke to him. The Lord’s voice came from a bush that was full of flames but did not burn out. The Lord told Moses that he had been chosen to lead his people out of Egypt, but Moses offered up many excuses. The Lord gave Moses everything he needed to be a leader and even appointed Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 2:11-4:17

Outline:

1. Moses kills an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15)
2. Moses Escapes to Midian (Exodus 2:16-22)
3. God talks to Moses (Exodus 2:23-4:17)

Tips for teaching children:

• Draw a vertical line down the centre of a piece of paper to create 2 columns. Write the title “God said” at the top of one column and “Moses said” at the top of the other. Add to each column as you talk about the story. Younger children will need more guidance, but older children can find the answers straight from the Bible. Instead of paper, use a whiteboard or chalkboard if you prefer.
• Use the fun marble painting method to create a painting of the burning bush.
• Make a texture map. Draw a map showing Egypt, Midian and Mt. Sinai. Glue on sandpaper for the land and blue cellophane for the water. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Draw a vertical line down the centre of a piece of paper or whiteboard to create two columns.  On the left-hand column, write “Moses’ excuses” and on the right, write “God’s response.”  Locate the five excuses from our text, Exodus 3:7 - 4:17 and discuss what Moses is really saying deep down in these excuses. How is God the answer to each one?
• Consider your own life. Have you ever offered any of these excuses to God?  What would God say to you?
• Pray for one another that each would be obedient to God and not offer excuses.
• Measure the distance between Midian and Egypt. Follow the link below to find a number of useful maps. If using the maps in class, be sure to read the copyright information first. https://www.knowingthebible.net/bible-maps

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Lord Speaks from a Burning Bush  

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org