Learn From Our Mistakes!

Session #6

December 19, 2001

Group #1

Read Numbers 12:1-16

Describe the situation in your own words. Some key aspects of the story to think about:

· For the reference to the Cushite woman, see Exodus 2:21.

· What’s the focal point of Aaron & Miriam’s complaint?

· What’s 1 word you would use to describe what Aaron & Miriam are feeling?

How do we learn from Aaron & Miriam’s mistake here?

Group #2

Read Numbers 13:1-33

Describe the situation in your own words. Some key aspects of the story to think about:

· What were the spies to do? How many spies went?

· 10 spies gave what report? 2 spies gave what other report?

· Give some descriptive personality traits of Joshua and Caleb. Also give some traits for the other 10 spies.

Where is the balance in one’s spiritual life between good common sense and living on the edge?

How do we learn from the mistakes here?

Group #3

Read Numbers 20:1-13

Describe the situation in your own words. Some key aspects of the story to think about:

· Think about what it means to be really thirsty.

· What did God command Moses to do? How did Moses modify God’s instructions?

· What consequences will Moses and Aaron experience for their modification of God’s instructions? Does this seem harsh or fair?

What do we learn from the mistakes here?

Group #4

Skim through Numbers 22-24

Describe the situation in your own words. Some key aspects of the story to think about:

· What did Balak want Balaam to do?

· What kind of ‘job’ did Balaam have?

· Who seems to be the smartest one in this story?

· Based on Numbers 31:8, do you think Balaam was God’s servant?

What do we learn from the mistakes here?

Group #5

Skim through Numbers 35.

Describe the situation in your own words. Some key aspects of the story to think about:

· Why did the Levites get these cities?

· What was a city of refuge?

· What was its purpose?

What’s the value of the principle at work in this passage?