Questions for Reflection
Review the Sermon: Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-16
- What stood out to you from the sermon this week?
Dive into Scripture: Read Numbers 21: 4-9
- Why did the Israelites grumble against God in the wilderness? (Option: Look up other times the Israelites grumbled—Ex 15:22-24, 16:2-3, Nu 11:4-6, 14:1-4. Do you notice a theme?)
- When have you acted in a similar way, impatient with God because of His timing or plans?
- How did God heal people from the snake bites? Why do you think He healed them in this unique way?
Live It Out:
- Pastor Mathew shared 2 Kings 18:4 with us, which says that this symbol used to bring about God’s healing (the bronze serpent) was later worshiped as an idol. What once healed them became a stumbling block for sin. What are some examples of gifts that God has given us (traditions, ideologies, books, blessings, etc…) that could potentially turn into idols?
- Read John 3:14-18. How does the story from Numbers 21, and Jesus’ reference to it in John 3:14-15, help us to more fully understand Christ’s iconic words in John 3:16? As the holidays approach, who needs to hear this message of God’s love and grace?