Womens Ministry Network of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa

  Discussion Questions Which of the types of bread do you relate to the most? Explain. Which of the three customers do you relate to the most? Why?  Which of the parables or Bible stories most impacted you? Explain. How can you be more careful about what you put (or allow) into your “dough”? Describe some practical ideas or steps. Do you need to grow more in Grace, Truth, or both? How can you “be” who you need to be to grow in this area? Why do you think it’s so much easier to point out or notice the Yeast in others rather than the Yeast in your own life? How can you make sure your life is full of the Bread of Life—the Bread of Grace and Truth? After reading this story, is there anyone you need to apologize to for how you’ve treated them?

  23. Holy Communion For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 Walking to the front counter, Emet and Hanan were shocked to see that the early arrivals were Yosef, Anna, and Uzziel. “Good morning, friends!” Emet chirped. “What brings you all to the shop so early?” At first, the three customers were all silent. Yosef, Anna, and Uzziel were each just as shocked as Emet and Hanan to find the other two there. They had all hoped for a moment alone with Emet. As they awkwardly exchanged glances, Anna and Uzziel motioned toward Yosef, indicating that he should go first. Yosef smiled in thanks, then turned to Emet. Hanan thought the man looked a bit sheepish as Yosef began, “My dear old friend—I was—” Then, clearing his throat with a small cough, he continued. “I was completely inappropriate yesterday.” Emet’s tense posture softened immediately. “Oh that—it’s really no prob—” Yosef held up his hand firmly but kindly.

 21. Bread of Life Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Isaiah 55:1–2 As Hanan stood at the counter, mixing the flour and water into a dough, Emet sat and asked, “So, what can you tell me about this Bread without Yeast?” “What can I tell you about it?” Hanan said, surprised. Glancing back at his grandfather, he asked, “Weren’t you going to tell me about it?” Emet crossed his arms and smiled. “I thought we’d first start with what you know.” Hanan continued kneading as he thought for a moment. “Well, it’s in the top half of these two squares,” he said as he motioned with his head toward the top of the quadrant, “so we know it’s full of Truth.” “Yes, very good.” Then, nodding toward the right side of the coun

 19. Along the Ridge But grow in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 The last portion of the walk home was pleasant. Situated along the edge of a small plateau, Emet and Hanan enjoyed a beautiful view of the village below. Having taken a short rest at the top, Emet now took the lead. “We have just enough time to review the Yeast of Herod, Hanan. So, what can you tell me about it?” Hanan lifted the lower-left corner of the cloth covering the basket. “It’s down here in the southwest corner, so that tells me it has little regard for Grace or Truth.” “Unfortunately, yes, that’s true,” Emet called over his shoulder as they walked along. “So, what sort of bread does this Yeast give rise to?” “The Yeast of Herod gives rise to the Bread of Lawlessness,” Hanan answered. “Tell me about this Bread of Lawlessness,” Emet said. “What does it taste like?” As Hanan covered the bread again, he answered, “Well, based on w

 17. Walk to the River  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:18–25 Emet grabbed his walking stick while Hanan repacked the loaves from the workbench into a large, flat basket, including what was left of the Unleavened Bread. As they exited the shop, rays from the late afternoon sun caused them to squint. Hanan shielded

 16. Amnon’s Bread  Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it. Then she took the pan and served him the bread. 2 Samuel 13:8–9a “So, a guy named Amnon liked the Bread of Lawlessness more than anyone, huh?” Hanan repeated. He thought for a moment before asking, “Was he the guy that fell in love with his own half-sister, Tamar?” “That’s the one,” Emet confirmed. “Do you recall how the story goes?” “I remember that Amnon became so obsessed with Tamar that he made himself ill.” Hanan shook his head, and reluctantly began to say, “I think it was his dream to—” “It was Amnon’s dream to sleep with his own sister,” Emet finished, sensing Hanan’s discomfort. “Yeah,” Hanan said with a mixed look of disgust and embarrassment. “What was he thinking?” “Well, he was thinking that since he had the urge to do something, it must be fine for him to do it. And in Amnon’s little lump of dough, that thought wa