Dec 3, 2017
Dec 3, 2017
BELONG 1.
When was the last time that you felt wronged by someone else? Maybe you were passed up for a promotion that you felt you had earned? Maybe you were hurt by a trusted friend? Etc…
2.
Have you ever felt slighted by God? Have you had a time where your circumstances seem to be getting worse despite your diligent efforts to follow God’s leading? What do you do in a situation like this? How do you feel? Who do you turn to?
GROW 1.
In Matthew 3, John the Baptist (Jesus’ relative) began his ministry by going before Jesus to let people know He was coming, fulfilling the prophecy about
him from Malachi 3. Have a group member read Matthew 3:112 and discuss how you would characterize John’s ministry. Would you say that he was “allin” for God? 2.
After some time in ministry, and after confronting King Herod’s indiscretions, he was imprisoned. Have a group member read Mark 6:1720 and discuss
how John must have felt. 3.
Then, in Matthew 11, we receive some insight into John’s thoughts while he is sitting in prison. Read Matthew 11:111, asking the following questions as
you go: a. Verse 3: After some time in prison, do you think John began to doubt if Jesus was the Messiah? His question seems out of place just a few chapters after John baptized Jesus and heard the voice from heaven saying: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” b. Verses 46: Do you think that knowing all that Jesus was doing while John was in prison would be a comfort to John the Baptist, knowing that he had spent his time leading the way for the true Messiah? Or do you think he may have been confused as to why God allowed him to be imprisoned after he had done what he was supposed to do? 4.
Even after John sent to Jesus, his situation did not change. In fact, it became worse, and ultimately he was killed by Herod. Have a member of your
group read Mark 6:2129. Researchers view the significance of John’s death in various ways: a.
Some view John’s early death as important, as this made him “the forerunner of Jesus both in life and death” – w ww.toughquestionsanswered.org article by Bill Pratt b. Some view John as the first example to the newly forming Church of standing strong in your faith regardless of the circumstances – www.gotquestions.org article. c. And some simply view John’s imprisonment as an example of trusting God even when we may never fully realize His plan during our lifetime – h ttps://lifehopeandtruth.com article by Joshua Travers
5.
Assign the following verses to your group members and take turns reading them, sharing the application of each passage in the life of John the Baptist:
a.
Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 9:9, Psalm 62:8, Psalm 27:5, Psalm 46:1
6.
To end this week’s group, read the following verses from Paul’s story as the group listens: 1 Corinthians 11:23b (beginning with “I have worked much
harder…”) – 27 & 1 Corinthians 12:610
REACH 1.
Do you know anyone who is feeling discouraged due to difficult circumstances that they are in…unsure why God is allowing them to go
through hardship? Is there anything that you can do to physically help them this week? How might you offer them encouragement today?
