Sm Grp Guide: Still Jesus-Moses/Jesus

Small Group Discussion based on a sermon preached by Greg Ballog, 4/26/26

Opening prayer
Lord, thank You for bringing us together. Open our hearts and minds to see how Moses points us to Jesus, and help us move beyond simply knowing Bible stories to truly knowing and following Christ. Teach us by Your Spirit, shape our faith, and lead us into deeper devotion and obedience. Amen.

Scripture readings
Read Hebrews 5:11-14 to introduce the call to spiritual maturity and the warning against remaining on “milk” instead of growing into solid food.
Read Deuteronomy 18:17-18 to see God’s promise of a prophet like Moses.
Read Exodus 3:7-8 to remember God seeing, hearing, and rescuing His people.
Read Exodus 12:5-7 and 1 Peter 1:18-19 to connect the Passover lamb with Jesus as the spotless Lamb.
Read Numbers 21:7-9 and John 3:14-15 to connect the bronze serpent with Christ lifted up for salvation.
Read Matthew 2:16 and Exodus 1:15-16, 22 to compare the attacks on Hebrew boys and the threat against Jesus.

Discussion topics
Talk about the main idea that it is possible to be full of church and still be empty on Jesus. Explore what that means in everyday life and how someone can attend worship, know Bible facts, and still not be deeply devoted to Christ.
Discuss typology, which is the idea that people, events, and institutions in the Old Testament foreshadow greater realities in the New Testament. Ask the group how Moses and the Exodus prepare us to understand Jesus more clearly.
Consider how Moses is a picture of Jesus as a deliverer, intercessor, and leader of God’s people. Ask how Moses’ life shows both the need for rescue and the need for a greater Savior.
Reflect on the Passover and the bronze serpent as signs that point beyond themselves. Ask how these images help us understand that salvation comes through God’s provision, not human effort.

Questions for discussion
What do you think Hebrews 5:11-14 says about spiritual maturity?
Why is it easy to know Bible stories without really knowing Jesus?
What similarities do you see between Moses’ calling and Jesus’ mission?
How does Exodus 3:7-8 shape your understanding of God’s heart for people in suffering?
Why do you think God used signs like the Passover lamb and the bronze serpent to teach His people?
What does it mean that Jesus is the fulfillment of what Moses pointed toward?
Where do you see the difference between religious activity and real devotion to Christ in your own life?
How can our group help one another grow from spiritual “milk” toward “solid food”?

Follow-up exercise
This week, spend 10 to 15 minutes each day reading one passage from Exodus and one passage from the Gospels that connects to it. After reading, write one sentence answering two questions: What does this show me about God? and What does this show me about Jesus? End each time by praying one short sentence of response, such as “Lord, help me know You more.” As a group, encourage everyone to share one insight at the next meeting.

Closing prayer
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Moses and for fulfilling Your promises in Jesus. Help us not to settle for surface religion, but to grow in real faith, deeper understanding, and obedient devotion. Train our hearts to recognize Your work, trust Your provision, and follow Christ more closely each day. Amen.