Exodus 3:1 to 3:15 God hears the cries of his hurting people and calls ordinary servants to display his mighty power and holy name. Trace Moses' journey from Pharaoh's palace to the wilderness of Midian. Understand the meaning of God's holy personal name: "I AM WHO I AM" (Yahweh). Learn that God equips and strengthens those he calls, even when they feel inadequate. After spending forty years as a shepherd in the dry wilderness of Midian, eighty-year-old Moses led his flock to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. The Bush That Did Not Burn Up Moses was tending the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro in the quiet wilderness. Suddenly, his eyes caught an extraordinary sight: a desert bush was blazing with fire, yet the branches were not burning up! Moses said, "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned." Take Off Your Sandals When the Lord saw that Moses turned aside, God called out to him from the midst of the bush: "Moses, Moses!" Moses answered, "Here I am." God commanded, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." God introduced himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I AM WHO I AM God revealed his heart: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry. I am sending you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people out." When Moses asked, "What is your name?", God answered: "I AM WHO I AM. Say to the people of Israel: The Lord, the God of your fathers, has sent me to you." God promised his presence would go with Moses every step. God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And he said, Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you. Exodus 3:14 What made the burning bush on Mount Horeb so unusual? It was blazing with fire but did not burn up It was made of solid gold It was floating in the sky It was frozen in ice It was blazing with fire but did not burn up Exodus 3:2 says the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed by the flames. Why did God tell Moses to remove his sandals? Because the place where he stood was holy ground Because his sandals were muddy Because it was bedtime Because of desert heat Because the place where he stood was holy ground God's holy presence made the ground holy, requiring reverent honor. What personal covenant name did God reveal to Moses? I AM WHO I AM The King of Stars The Desert Guide The Strong Warrior I AM WHO I AM God revealed his eternal, self-existent name: Yahweh, "I AM WHO I AM." Whenever you feel nervous or inadequate to speak up or do something difficult this week, stop and pray: "Lord, you are the great I AM, and you are with me." Holy Lord God, you are the eternal Creator who hears our prayers and knows our sorrows. Thank you that you call ordinary people to be your instruments. When I feel weak or afraid, remind me of your mighty presence and power. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why did Moses feel nervous about going back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh? What does God's name "I AM WHO I AM" teach us about who God is? Explorers learn that God holy, attentive to suffering, and faithful to call and equip servants through his presence. Ask students if they have ever seen fire that doesn't burn what it touches. Introduce the burning bush as God's supernatural sign to grab Moses' attention! Why did Moses make excuses to God? Moses was looking at his own weaknesses instead of God's unlimited power. God gently showed Moses that his presence was all Moses needed. 5 min Hook & Prayer, 12 min Interactive Narrative, 8 min Memory Verse Unscramble, 5 min Quiz