Holy GroundSample

Where We’re Going

God often reveals Himself when we least expect it. After fleeing Egypt following an act of murder, Moses marries a woman named Zipporah and begins working for her father, Jethro, tending his sheep. During an ordinary workday, God miraculously appears to Moses through a burning bush and sets him on a path that would ultimately transform human history.

In the “Holy Ground” Bible study, we’re going to take a closer look at four questions asked by Moses in Exodus 3:1–4:17, questions many of us have likely asked ourselves:

Day 1) What Is Going On? (Exodus 3:1-10)

Day 2) Who Am I? (Exodus 3:11-12)

Day 3) Who Is God? (Exodus 3:13-22)

Day 4) What If I Fail? (Exodus 4:1-17)

Prayerfully, as we study God’s responses to Moses’ burning questions, we will develop a deeper understanding of His character, our identity and the purpose He has called us to!

Day 1) What Is Going On?

What Is Happening On This Holy Ground?

1) A Picture of Jesus

“Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro...” (Ex. 3:1a)

Moses was a flawed shepherd who was protected by God as a baby when Pharaoh ordered the death of Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 2:1-10). God worked through him to deliver His people from Egyptian slavery through the Red Sea and to set the stage for their entry into the Promised Land (Canaan). Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) who survived Herod’s mandated infanticide of all male children two years old and younger in the Bethlehem region. He is God, and His red blood poured out on the cross (and His glorious resurrection) eternally set free every person (Jew or Gentile) who chooses to place their faith in Him!

2) A Pattern For Holiness

“...Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Ex. 3:5b)

For Moses to approach God, he first had to remove his sandals. Designating something as “holy” means it is set apart for a specific purpose, and the ground Moses stood on was made holy by God’s presence and power. Unlike Moses’ sandals, we cannot remove our own sin; instead, we must surrender it at Jesus’ feet before we can dwell in His perfect presence and walk in the purpose He has specifically set aside for us.

3) A Promise For Slaves

“and I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians...” (Ex. 3:8a)

The Hebrews had been enslaved by the Egyptians for approximately 400 years by the time God appeared to Moses, who was a Hebrew himself. God declares that He has come to set His people free, and much of the rest of Exodus 3 outlines how this will take place. While most of us are not living in literal slavery, we are all born enslaved to sin and are in need of the freedom that only Jesus can provide!

4) A Peek At The Future

“...to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land...” (Ex. 3:8b)

Not only does God promise to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, but He promises to bring them into a special Promised Land designed specifically for them. For Christians, this promise expands to include Jesus’ words before His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension: “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3 CSB) Our promised land is our future destination, where we will live eternally in His presence when Heaven and earth become one.

5) A Purpose To Fulfill

“Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” (Ex. 3:10)

God’s mission of setting His people free from Egyptian slavery would not happen automatically, but through the obedience of Moses. As followers of Jesus, we are called to help people find freedom by leading them to know Jesus and surrender their lives to Him (Matthew 28:19–20). No matter where God places you, you are called to share the good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection with those around you!

Big Idea: Exodus 3:1–10 reveals a call to holiness, God’s promise to set His people free and the incredible way through which that freedom would come to pass. In Christ, we experience the same call: to be set apart, set free and sent out to lead others to Him!

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) Connecting Moses To Jesus: Can you identify any additional parallels between Jesus and Moses beyond the ones we mentioned?

Question 2) A Call To Holiness: God required Moses to remove his sandals while in His presence. Is there anything God needs to remove from your life so that you can walk in greater holiness?

Question 3) Finding Freedom: Just as He freed the Israelites from the Egyptians, God is still setting people free today. What would finally experiencing freedom look like for you?

Question 4) Hope For Tomorrow: Just as God had a promised land prepared for Israel (Canaan), He has prepared a place for us in heaven and promises to one day make heaven and earth one in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). Why is it important for us to remember that God has a wonderful future planned for his children?

Question 5) Living With Purpose: God called Moses to lead His people into freedom. As Christians, we are called to help people find freedom in Christ by spreading the Gospel message (Matthew 28:19–20). What are some practical ways we can do that?