Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley

Lesson 7.The Bread and Water of Life
God’s Provision in the Wilderness

Lesson 7 takes us into the heart of Israel’s wilderness journey, where God faithfully provided for His people despite their weaknesses and unbelief. Water, bread, and even meat became signs of His power and love. Each event—from the bitter waters at Marah, to the manna, to the water from the rock—contains spiritual lessons for us today. God wanted Israel to learn that true life depends not only on material provision, but on connection with Him. Even through rebukes and tests, He was preparing them for trust, obedience, and gratitude. These experiences are prophetic pointers to Jesus Christ, our true “Bread of Life” and “Living Water.”

Content:
7.1 Bitter Waters
From Bitter Waters to Sweet Trust

The experience at the bitter waters of Marah was Israel’s first major test of faith after crossing the Red Sea. Instead of remembering God’s recent miracles, they allowed doubt and murmuring when the water was undrinkable. Yet God responded not with punishment but with a miracle, showing that He can make even the bitterest circumstances sweet. The piece of wood used was only a sign—the power came from Him alone. This event teaches us to wait patiently for God’s timing and trust that He works in cooperation with us. Even when our troubles are self-inflicted, God is still willing to help if we turn to Him in faith.

7.2 Quail and Manna
Bread from Heaven – Learning Daily Trust

The gift of quail and manna was God’s answer to Israel’s murmuring in the wilderness. Instead of trusting, they longed for what they had lost and overlooked what God was providing each day. Through manna, God taught them dependence on Him—not by storing up, but by receiving daily. The weekly double portion on Friday and the absence of manna on the Sabbath reminded them of His care and the holiness of the day of rest. This miracle bread was not only physical nourishment but also a lesson in obedience and faith. Even today, God calls us to trust Him daily rather than give in to worry or impatience.

7.3 Water From the Rock
The Rock from Which Life Flows

The story of water from the rock shows God’s patience and care even when His people were full of doubt. Despite their grumbling and testing, God proved He could meet their most urgent needs. The water was more than physical provision—it was a picture of Christ, the source of eternal life. Paul later reminded believers that this rock was Christ Himself, who faithfully leads and provides. This event teaches us to rely on God’s provision even in desert seasons. Those who trust Him will find His promises hold true, even when everything around seems dry.

7.4 Jethro
Wisdom That Brings Relief

Jethro’s visit was more than a family reunion—it marked a turning point in Israel’s organization. After hearing of God’s mighty deliverance, Jethro praised the Lord and acknowledged Him as the true God. He also brought Moses practical, God-given advice: to share responsibility and appoint capable, God-fearing men as judges. This system lightened Moses’ load and created a fairer, more efficient process for the people. The story shows that God’s wisdom can come through people outside our own circle. True humility accepts counsel as a gift—no matter who it comes from.

7.5 The Bread and Water of Life
Christ – The True Source

Paul reminds us that Israel’s wilderness experiences were recorded as warnings and examples for us. Both the manna and the water from the rock prophetically point to Christ, who alone satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus revealed that He gives “living water”—a source that never runs dry. Likewise, He declared Himself to be “the Bread of Life,” offering eternal satisfaction. These images show that only in Christ do we find true life, lasting peace, and deep fulfillment. Those who come to Him daily receive strength, joy, and spiritual nourishment for the journey.

7.6 Summary
God’s Provision – Lessons from the Wilderness

Lesson 7 shows how God provided bread, water, and divine guidance for His people in the wilderness. Despite repeated murmuring and unbelief, He acted with patience, teaching them trust, obedience, and gratitude. The bitter waters at Marah, manna from heaven, and water from the rock were not only physical provisions but also spiritual lessons. God wanted to show them that true life comes from His hand alone. Through Jethro’s wise counsel, they also learned the value of good leadership and order. These experiences point prophetically to Christ, the “Bread of Life” and the “Living Water,” who alone can satisfy our deepest hunger and thirst.

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