The goal of this mini Bible study is simple: to let God speak on clear truth into your heart—and carry it with you throughout your day.

Just one thing to sit with. One truth to pray through. One reminder of His presence in the middle of your ordinary moments.

You don’t need an hour—just ten minutes to slow down, reflect, and let His Word refill what’s been poured out. If you’d like, you can download the printable guide (below) we created, or simply sit with the Scripture and let God speak.

Prefer your study off-line? Grab the printable version below:

Part One: Read the Scripture

Let’s start by reading the passage together. Take a moment to read it slowly, several times. Let the words sink in. There are no right or wrong answers here—just listen and see what stands out to you. And feel free to get interactive with this! Highlight or underline words or phrases that resonate with you.

17 The Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 

18 Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” 

19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” 21 And the Lord continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23 then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”

Exodus 33:17-23

Part Two: Reflect with Key Questions

Now, let’s reflect on this passage a bit deeper. Read it again and think about these questions. Let the Lord speak to your heart as you ponder the answers.

What does this passage reveal about God? What do you notice about God’s nature and actions in this passage? What stands out about His mercy, glory, and holiness?

How does this passage point to Christ or other aspects of salvation history? Reflect on how this moment between God and Moses connects to the larger story of salvation. How does it point to Christ or other pivotal moments in salvation history?

How does this passage point toward the ultimate reality of heaven and the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom? This passage highlights a partial revelation of God’s glory, and it speaks of the impossibility of seeing His face in this life. How does it point to the eventual fullness of God’s revelation in heaven, where we will see Him face-to-face? What does it teach about our eternal destiny in the presence of God?

Part Three: Insights from the Church Fathers

Now, let’s explore how the early Church Fathers interpreted this passage. Their reflections help us dive deeper into the mysteries of God’s Word.

“As regards this life, Moses is told, “Nobody has seen the face of God and lived.” You see, we are not meant to live in this life in order to see that face; we are meant to die to the world in order to live forever in God. Then we won’t sin, not only by deed but not even by desire, when we see that face which beats and surpasses all desires. Because it is so lovely, my brothers and sisters, so beautiful, that once you have seen it, nothing else can give you pleasure. It will give insatiable satisfaction of which we will never tire. We shall always be hungry and always have our fill.”

St. Augustine of Hippo

Summary: St. Augustine highlights that in this life, we cannot see God’s face, but our ultimate goal is to “die to the world” in order to live eternally in His presence. Once we behold God’s face in heaven, it will satisfy us completely and eternally, surpassing all earthly desires. It speaks to the infinite beauty of God’s presence and our longing for it.

“He would not have shown himself to his servant if the sight were such as to bring the desire of the beholder to an end, since the true sight of God consists in this, that the one who looks up to God never ceases in that desire. For he says, “You cannot see my face, for man cannot see me and live.” Scripture does not indicate that this causes the death of those who look, for how would the face of life ever be the cause of death to those who approach it? On the contrary, the divine is by its nature lifegiving. Yet it is the characteristic of the divine nature to transcend all characteristics. Therefore he who thinks God is something to be known does not have life, because he has turned from true being to what he considers by sense perception to have being.”

St Gregory of Nyssa

Summary: St. Gregory explains that God’s glory is not something we can fully see and comprehend in this life, but even our longing for God is a form of life. The “face” of God is beyond all human understanding, and this “unseen” aspect of God draws us into an eternal desire for Him. God’s face is not a source of death but the source of life. The divine is so beyond us that it transcends human knowledge and desires.

Part Four: Personal Reflection

Take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve learned from this study today. Ask yourself these questions.

Questions to reflect on:

• What do you think God is saying to you through this study today?
• How might these reflections influence your prayer life and relationship with God?
• Is there something specific God is inviting you to do with the knowledge you’ve gained today?

As you go about your day, remember that God’s glory is a beautiful mystery—one we can experience partially now, but fully in eternity. Let this truth settle in your heart and allow it to shape your actions, thoughts, and prayers.

Lord, thank You for revealing Your goodness and glory, even when we can only experience it partially. Help us long for Your presence and live with hearts set on the eternal reality of being with You face-to-face. Amen.