1.Take God More Seriously (18:1-12)

2.Take Yourself Less Seriously (18:13-23)

3.Take Help from Others (18:24-27)

1.What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2.Think of a time you got very wise advice from a surprising source. Who gave it? What did the person say? Did you listen to them? Share your experience with the group.

3.What parallels do we see between Moses’ encounter with Jethro, and Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek (compare Exodus 18:1-12 with Genesis 14:17-15:21)? Why are these parallels significant? What point is the author trying to make? Why is Jethro’s confession of faith significant in the narrative of Exodus (see 15:13-16, and 18:11; also, compare Jethro’s reception of Moses with that of the Amalekites in chapter 17)?

4.How do we see Moses’ concern for God’s fame and glory (over his own) in verses 1-12?

5.What problem does Jethro observe (18:13-14)? What advice does he give Moses (18:17-23; see also Deuteronomy 1:9-17)? Why is it significant that Jethro would be the one to offer this advice? Why is he an unexpected source of wisdom?

6.Who does Moses select to be judges (see 18:21)? Why are these criteria significant, especially given the cultural context?

Application:

7.In Numbers 12:3, Moses is referred to as the most humble man on the face of the earth. How do we see his humility in this passage? Why is humility crucial to leadership? Which leadership lesson in this passage resonated with you most strongly? In what area do you need to apply this lesson (e.g. parenting, work, personal discipleship, a friendship, etc.)?

8.What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?