Sunday Discussion
Jesus Is For Us
Transition:
Last week we saw Isaiah comfort a people familiar with and weary of war. They experienced wave after wave of war with more on the horizon. But God, through Isaiah, gave hope to Israel that one day he would bring an end to all war forever.
Context:
This week Isaiah gives another reason why joy is possible in a weary world. God will one day give the world a gift – his own Son (Immanuel, which means God with us). This reality created great expectations because Immanuel is the light in the darkness, the one in whom we find joy, the one who carries our burdens, and the one who wins our greatest battle.
Opening Questions:
- What’s your favorite gift that you’ve ever received? What’s your favorite gift that you’ve ever given? Which do you prefer, and why?
- Have you ever received a gift that seemed too good to be true? What was it, and what made it so remarkable?
Scripture/Storying: Isaiah 9:6a
Discipleship Questions:
- How does Isaiah 9:6a fit into the overarching message God has for his people in Isaiah 9:1-7?
- Matthew 1:18-23 makes it clear that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophesied coming Immanuel. Today’s verse touches on the humanity of Christ. Jesus entered our world fully human (minus sin). Why is the humanity of Christ necessary? Why is the humanity of Christ important to you personally?
- Is serving others a challenge for you? If so, why? Read Mark 10:45. Jesus entered our world to serve. Why did he do this? How does this influence your perspective toward serving others? Who is Jesus calling you to serve right now, and in what ways?
- As God’s Son, Immanuel is not merely human, he is also God himself (see also John 1:1; 1:18; 8:58; Romans 9:5). Why is the deity of Christ necessary for your salvation?
- Read John 3:16. God demonstrates his love by sending (giving) his Son. In what other ways has God been generous to you? In what ways can you reflect the love of God by being generous to others this season?
- Read John 3:19-20. God gave the world his Son, but the world rejected his Son because they loved the darkness. How do you explain humanity’s appeal for darkness over Jesus? What is your attitude toward people in darkness? What should our attitude be toward them, and what is something you can do this week
to reflect the heart of God in you?
Prayer time:
This month we will be taking a hiatus from our typical routine of praying for our ministry partners to focus more specifically on one prayer. For the month of December, we will focus on praying for peace in the Middle East and the birthplace of Christ.