The Message of The Manna

Text: Ex.16:14-36.

Introduction:

There are many pictures in the Bible of the Lord Jesus Christ in type and symbol, but none are any clearer than the "manna" that is mentioned here in Exodus 16

This was a genuine miracle of the Lord.

The word "manna" means "what is this?"

Many people read their Bibles and ask themselves the same question, "What is this?"

I. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE MANNA

A. It Was Small-(v.14). The Bible speaks of it being identified in size like the coriander seed.

Php 2:7,8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

B. It was round (v.14)

C. It Was White (v.31).

D. It Was Sweet (v.31).

Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

E. It Was Nourishing

The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years sustained by the nourishment of the manna.

It was because adequate nutrition was supplied by the manna.

Ps 78:24,25 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.

Note:

It is not wonder that Jesus said, "I am the bread of life."

All that we need for life and eternity is found in the Lord

Ps 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

F. It Was Unique

II. THE COMING DOWN OF THE MANNA

A. It Came Down From Heaven

B. It Came Down At Night

C. It Came On The Dew

Nu 11:9 And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

D. It Fell In The Wilderness.

E. It Came Down Where They Were. (came to them)

III. HOW THE MANNA WAS TO BE EXCEPTED.

For the manna to serve its purpose it must be eaten or take for one’s own use.

A. Sense of Need

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Isa 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

B. Stooping of Knees

C. Separating For Yourself

The hungry Jews were not fed by admiring the manna, or looking at the manna, or even observing others eating it. They had to pick it up, take it from the rest, for themselves.

In Jn. 6 Jesus spoke of "eating his flesh and drinking His blood." He was not suggesting that they become cannibals, He was referring to a spiritual partaking.

That is vitally connected with the Word of God. When we take it in, we feast on Christ, who is the living Word of God.

D. Seeking Early (v.21 "in the morning")

When the son arose in the morning and it became hot, the manna became spoiled.

Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

E. Had to have it everyday!