Hope

Week 2 - Hope

Matthew 3:1-12 and Isaiah 11:1-10

Fellowship – Snacks (10 minutes)

Gathering and Opening (10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, discuss the following: “What were some of your family’s favorite Advent/Christmas traditions?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read: Matthew 3:1-12

• John provided a stark critique to the religious elite. It would have been taken for granted, by most, that to be an Israelite was to be an ancestor of Abraham. Said differently, they took for granted that they were part of God’s promised covenant community. What is John implying by noting that God could raise children of Abraham from stones? [Biology is no guarantee of being part of the community.]
• What might the ax lying “at the root of the trees” be referring to? [Israel is often pictured as a tree in the Old Testament (examples include Jeremiah 11:16-17, Ezekiel 15:6). To imagine an ax next to the tree is to see judgment at hand.]
• What might John’s emphasis on “bearing good fruit” imply to this rebuke? [It is not enough to have right ideas.]
• In keeping with this theme of judgement, “fire” in both verse 11 and verse 12 is a fire of judgment. So, what might this fire of judgment say about how John the Baptist envisions the ministry of Jesus? [Jesus’ ministry will be a call to bear the fruit of righteousness.]
• How does John’s message provide an appropriate Advent challenge? [It is a reminder of the vision and promise of hope with which we are called to anticipate and live.]

Read Isaiah 11:1-10. Have whoever reads the passage emphasize the word “shall” for effect.

• How did emphasizing the word “shall” help the passage be experienced as a word of hope? [It is a promise that will be realized, not merely a fanciful vision.]
• Which image from verses 6 to 8 do you find most reassuring? Why?
• How do the promises envisioned by John and Isaiah bring you hope for life’s journey?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Before ending in prayer, spend at least one minute in silence: