GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: The reason you’re not thriving is because you’re still trying to. While this sounds counterintuitive, it is one way of summarizing the Biblical gospel. As we continue in our study through John, we’ll open up the story of John the Baptist. He's the first “witness” that the author invites up to the witness box, and his testimony will challenge us to take the leap and surrender to Jesus.
Main Points:
1. John’s answers displayed his humility. (Messiah, Elijah, Prophet, Voice)
2. John’s ministry revealed Jesus.
a. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
b. Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
c. Jesus is God’s Chosen One.
3. John’s testimony invites our response.
On-Ramps:
If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, what is keeping you from it?
If you have never responded in baptism, what is keeping you from it?
If there is any part of your life that you are not giving to God, what is keeping you from it?
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Take a look at Matthew 16:24-26. What is the call in these verses? What is the seemingly counterintuitive promise here? What happens when you choose to “play it safe” versus surrendering your life?
What does John the Baptist call Jesus in John 1:29? What is significant about this name? (See also Genesis 22:13 , Exodus 12:3-13, Leviticus 16:20-22, Isaiah 53:7 and Rev 5:6-13)
Jeremy mentioned that Christ’s death is sometimes presented in our society as simply an example of great love. What might motivate someone to adopt this perspective as opposed to the complete truth about Jesus’ sacrifice?
Think about the opportunities you have had to talk to people outside of the church about your faith in Jesus. In what ways do you find you are tempted to “run Jesus through a filter” for the world? Why do you think we tend to present Jesus in this way?
As we read about John the Baptist, we see that he clearly understood his goal in life. What is the underlying goal of your life? What motivates and inspires your faith in Jesus?
What is holding you back? Where are you in your journey with Jesus? Take some time reflecting on the questions presented in the On-Ramps this week and respond.
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 1 Samuel 16:7b; 2 Corinthians 5:16-18a
