"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58)

Behold The Man!

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, "Behold the man"! (John 19:1-5 KJV)

Krystal Meyers - The Beauty of Grace

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KNOWING GOD
Exodus 33:123
September 5, 2004




1) The Israelites had deeply grieved God—they had just bowed down and worshipped a golden calf. Yet, He remains faithful to His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and attempts to send them into the promise land. There’s just one catch—His presence will not go with them. That’s like telling a Christian you can have all of heaven—but God and Jesus won’t be there. What was the Israelites immediate reaction? What would yours be? Can Christians grieve God—see Ephesians 4:30. Though we sin and hurt God, what promise does Hebrews 13:5 give us?



2)God commanded the children of Israel to remove their ornaments. Read Genesis 35:4 and explain why this act of repentance was necessary before God could move.



3) Though God threatens to destroy the entire nation, can you see Him extending mercy in verses 33:5-7? Explain.



4) What image comes to mind when you hear the words, “stiffed-necked?” Did you realize that this is actually the 3rd time God calls Israel by this name. See Exodus 32:9, 33:3, 33:5. What exactly does this statement mean?



5) The people recognized that Moses had a unique relationship with God (vs. 12-17). Does your personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ cause people to stand and worship?



6)See Exodus 33:12-16—Moses intercedes for the people. This is an action of a true leader. God had already decided to offer mercy—he was just waiting for someone to intercede in Israel’s behalf. See Ezekiel 13:5. Have you ever “stood in the gap” for someone? Who does this remind you of? See John 17, pay particular attention to John 17:20 (this includes you and me).

7) In Exodus 33:12-13 Moses, in essence, asks to know God—to understand Him. Are we more interested in what God can do for us than in actually “knowing” Him? Read Jeremiah 29:13; Philippians 3:10 and John 14:8-9.



8) Confident that God was listening, Moses is emboldened to make a further request of God—to see His glory! What does God allow Moses to see? Is God’s goodness and his glory one and the same? Explain. Look ahead to Exodus 34 to see how God describes Himself. Wow!



9) God told Moses that no one may see his face and live. See Genesis 32:24-30. John 1:14.


10) God hid Moses in the cleft of a rock. Who does Scripture say the Rock is (1 Corinthians 10:4?) Are you safely hid in the cleft of the Rock?

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