Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 3
3.1 Moses and the Burning Bush
Moses and the Burning Bush: Called by God
While tending sheep in the wilderness, Moses encountered the presence of God in a bush that burned but was not consumed. There God revealed His name, heard the cries of His people, and called Moses to lead Israel’s rescue from Egypt.
3.1 Moses and the Burning Bush
God often calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he was not living in a palace or leading a nation. He was tending sheep in the wilderness.
Forty years earlier, Moses had fled Egypt after trying to solve a problem in his own strength. Now, God would call him back—not with his own plans, but with God’s power.
The story of the burning bush reminds us that God sees the suffering of His people, hears their cries, and calls people to participate in His work.
It is also one of the clearest revelations of God’s identity in the Old Testament.
Scripture References
Exodus 3:1–22
Exodus 4:1–17
Related Reading:
Acts 7:30–34
Hebrews 11:23–29
The Story
The Israelites had lived in Egypt for many generations.
What began as a place of protection during Joseph’s lifetime had become a place of slavery and oppression.
God’s people cried out for help.
Meanwhile, Moses was living in Midian.
After fleeing Egypt, he had become a shepherd and started a new life far from Pharaoh’s palace.
One day, while tending sheep near Mount Horeb, Moses noticed something unusual.
A bush was on fire.
Yet the bush was not being consumed.
As Moses approached, God called to him:
“Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4 NASB)
Moses answered:
“Here I am.”
God instructed Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground.
Then God revealed who He was:
“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6 NASB)
God told Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people and had come to deliver them.
Then came the surprising part.
God chose Moses to lead the rescue.
Moses immediately began offering reasons why he was not qualified.
Who am I?
What should I say?
What if they do not believe me?
I am not a good speaker.
Again and again, God answered Moses’ fears with promises of His presence and power.
Finally God revealed His sacred name:
I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14 NASB)
God promised to be with Moses and send him back to Egypt.
The rescue of Israel was about to begin.
Understanding the Story
God Sees and Hears
One of the most comforting truths in this story is that God was aware of His people’s suffering.
God told Moses:
“I have surely seen the affliction of My people… and have given heed to their cry.” (Exodus 3:7 NASB)
God was not absent.
He was preparing to act.
The same is true today.
God sees our struggles, hears our prayers, and cares about our lives.
God Calls Imperfect People
Moses did not feel qualified.
He focused on his weaknesses and failures.
Yet God did not choose Moses because of his abilities.
God chose Moses because of God’s purpose.
Throughout Scripture, God often works through people who feel inadequate.
God’s Presence Makes the Difference
The most important promise God gave Moses was not success.
It was His presence.
“Certainly I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12 NASB)
God’s presence would provide everything Moses needed.
The Meaning of “I AM”
When God revealed His name, He declared His eternal nature.
God is not dependent on anyone else.
He is the self-existent, eternal, unchanging God.
This name reveals God’s power, authority, and faithfulness.
Why This Story Matters
The burning bush teaches us several important truths.
Does God still call people today?
Yes. God continues to call people to serve, lead, teach, encourage, and share His love.
What if I feel unqualified?
Moses felt the same way.
God’s power is greater than our limitations.
Does God care about suffering?
Yes. God sees, hears, and responds to His people.
Can God use past mistakes?
Yes. Moses’ failures did not prevent God from using him.
Connecting to Jesus
Moses became the deliverer of Israel.
Jesus became the Savior of the world.
Moses led people out of slavery in Egypt.
Jesus leads people out of slavery to sin.
God revealed Himself to Moses through the burning bush.
In the New Testament, Jesus used similar language when He declared:
“Before Abraham was born, I am.” (John 8:58 NASB)
Jesus identified Himself with the eternal God who spoke to Moses.
The rescue that began with Moses points forward to the greater rescue accomplished through Christ.
Living the Message
The story of the burning bush reminds us that God often calls people who feel unprepared.
This week:
Listen for ways God may be calling you to serve.
Trust God’s presence more than your abilities.
Bring your fears honestly to God.
Remember that God sees your struggles.
Respond with faith when God opens doors of opportunity.
Reflect and Discuss
Why did Moses hesitate when God called him?
Possible answers:
He felt inadequate, fearful, and unqualified.
What does the burning bush reveal about God?
Possible answers:
God is holy, powerful, eternal, and present.
Why is God’s promise to be with Moses so important?
Possible answers:
God’s presence gave Moses confidence and strength.
How can God use ordinary people today?
Possible answers:
Through service, leadership, teaching, encouragement, ministry, and acts of faithfulness.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Exodus 3–4 reveals God’s call, His character, and His plan to rescue His people.
Reasons We Believe
God’s faithfulness to Moses reminds us that He remains present and active in the lives of His people.
Obedience in Action
Respond to God’s leading even when you feel uncertain or unqualified.
Walk It Out
Trust God’s presence as you face challenges and opportunities this week.
Related Pages
3.2 The Passover
Closing Invitation
The rescue of Israel begins with a shepherd standing before a burning bush.
God’s call changed Moses’ life and altered the course of history.
The same God who called Moses continues to call His people today.
As the story continues, God will demonstrate His power through signs, wonders, and one of the most important events in the Bible.
Continue to Lesson 3.2: The Passover.
