Into the Sea

Through the Wilderness

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

Remember, we are in the wilderness. The people standing on the shore, amazed at what God had accomplished, were not done with their journey. They had only just begun. We are on a journey too, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And we have only just begun.

Week 2: Into the Sea

Exodus 14:19-31 and Exodus 15:1b-11 & 20-21

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, share a time you experienced intense fear.

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read Exodus 14:19-31 and Exodus 15:1b-11 & 20-21

  • How would you have felt witnessing the events described in this passage? Would you have had compassion on the Egyptians as you watched them driven into the sea? Why or why not?
  • What do you think the Israelites would have learned about God from this experience?
  • What do we learn about God from this passage?
  • Recall a time when you felt God liberated or freed you. Share what you can about that experience with the group. How was God with you during that difficult journey?
  • What might it mean to “fear” the Lord (14:31)? How does that connect with the belief that God is our hope?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Ask for a volunteer to lead the group in prayer or read the following prayer in unison:

Almighty God, we give you thanks as the God who defeated the ultimate enemies of sin, death, and evil. We praise you that through an eternal relationship with you, we experience freedom and abundance. Equip us to stretch out our arms to help others experience your grace and love. Amen.

In This Series...


Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes