Lesson: 213
Lesson Name: The Manna
Theme: God's Provision - Its Fullness

Reading: Exodus 16:1-36
For ways to read a Bible story see - 10 ways to read the Bible with your youth group or Sunday School class

Memory Verse: John 6:35
Memory Verse Text: I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger.

Hands-on Learning Activity

Use the menu template "Restaurant of the Desert" to imagine what life was like to live on quail meat, manna and water for the entire length of the journey.

Lesson Teaching Points 

Point 1: Even though what the Israelites had in Egypt likely wasn't very much, they compared it to their current situation, and perceived it as having been much better.  They were hungry and tired of the wilderness conditions, so they began to murmur again and discredited the Glory of the Lord seen amongst them.
Point 2: The Lord heard their murmurings, yet He graciously spoke, "I will rain bread from heaven for you" (Ex. 16:4,12).  The manna came from above freely, it was easily available on the ground where even the children could collect it, it was sweet, and satisfied the Israelites' need.
Point 3: The manna was/is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It was/is a marvelous illustration of God's amazing ability to meet the need of our souls, whether we are sinner or saved.
Point 4: The manna was provided for 40 years, the same amout of time as the children of Israel were in the Wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.

More Biblical Background to Consider 

See also: The Training of the Twelve - 9.3 - The Sermon

Other Resources 

This Sunday School Curriculum guide is part of a 254 Sunday School Lesson Book available at www.gospelhall.org.  See the Downloads Section of the site for a complete copy.

The Sunday School Teacher's Survival Guide  also provides advice on developing lessons for Bible classes.