Week 23: Discovering the Character of God through John The Baptist
23.1 Pose two questions to the group for their thoughts and discussion:
23.1 Pose two questions to the group for their thoughts and discussion:
- How do they think they'll be remembered? What might people say about them?
- How do they want to be remembered? What do they want people to say about them?
This week, we're studying God's character through John the Baptist and what better way to begin than by looking at what Jesus had to say about him? As a group, read Matt 11:7-11. Discuss the implications of verse 11a: John is greater than Moses, Jacob, Abraham... everyone the Jews had ever held in high esteem and considered their route to God, Jesus was now saying John surpassed them all. In a moment, we'll see what it is that sets him apart but for now let the thought linger in the background!
23.2 As a group, read John 1:19-37. Part of what made John unique lies not only in what Jesus said about him, but in what he said of himself. Invite the group to share and discuss John's replies when questioned about who he was; notice what he's more interested in drawing people's attention to (Jesus). So, on the one hand, we have Jesus saying: 'John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born,' while, on the other, John says: 'Who I am doesn't matter - it's insignificant in light of who I point to. I'm just a signpost.' Invite the group to share their thoughts on the juxtaposition of these two statements: can they complement each other, or do they completely contradict each other?
The truth is that the smaller we make ourselves in our own eyes, the more God increases our worth in His eyes. Check out Matt 23:12; God requires - and blesses the humble.
23.3 John wasn't just humble; he was also honest and direct. This was as much (in fact, probably more so), the Holy Spirit within him as it was his nature. Read Luke 3:3-14 and discuss, as a group, these essence of John's message in this passage (faith accompanied by action).
Stress to the group that John is not saying 'Your acts are going to save you.' Ephesians 2:8-10 make it clear that we cannot earn salvation.
The actions in our lives should be a response to God's love, grace and mercy... not an effort to earn them and this is John's point. John is saying (quite bluntly): our actions should be an outward indication of the change that has gone on inside of us. The fact that the Jews weren't living fruitful lives gave John reason to challenge their motives: were they willing to change their lives out of changed hearts, or were they simply there because they were worried that they were missing out?
23.4 Our last glimpse into John's life teach the consequences of being obedient and living that transformed life. Read Luke 3:19-20 and Mark 6:17-29. John's fearlessness in speaking the truths of God's Law offended people. But it didn't silence him; he was unafraid of man (compare Psalm 56:3-4). he was full of the Holy Spirit and willing to endure whatever price he must for the Gospel.
His ministry had a cost. All ministry has a cost. Jesus told his followers to 'take up their crosses' and later stated that 'the world would hate' them. God calls us to put the things - the fears and desires - of the flesh to death in following Him.
Can the group think of anything God has asked/may be asking them to sacrifice?
23.5 We end this week by returning to the question of what set John apart. Was it his fearlessness? His honesty and bluntness? His humility? No, it was something more.
All of the Old Testament prophets - in fact every person who had gone before - only knew God from a distance. He was a God who 'lived in a box'*, behind a curtain, that only priests could access. Now, God had become a man and John could literally point people to Him. Re-read John 1:36-37. John had the very first privilege of introducing people to intimate relationship with the Messiah. He was not just a signpost; he was the final signpost.
*Andrew Wilson (Mission:Worship '09)
Week 23: Summary
This week's study has been a deeply challenging one; moreso than any of our previous sessions and it is perhaps fitting. No longer can we look at God through the telescope of the Old Testament men and women; no, Jesus has come and, just like John: we are encouraged to get serious about knowing him. Some of these challenging characteristics of God include:
23.2 As a group, read John 1:19-37. Part of what made John unique lies not only in what Jesus said about him, but in what he said of himself. Invite the group to share and discuss John's replies when questioned about who he was; notice what he's more interested in drawing people's attention to (Jesus). So, on the one hand, we have Jesus saying: 'John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born,' while, on the other, John says: 'Who I am doesn't matter - it's insignificant in light of who I point to. I'm just a signpost.' Invite the group to share their thoughts on the juxtaposition of these two statements: can they complement each other, or do they completely contradict each other?
The truth is that the smaller we make ourselves in our own eyes, the more God increases our worth in His eyes. Check out Matt 23:12; God requires - and blesses the humble.
23.3 John wasn't just humble; he was also honest and direct. This was as much (in fact, probably more so), the Holy Spirit within him as it was his nature. Read Luke 3:3-14 and discuss, as a group, these essence of John's message in this passage (faith accompanied by action).
Stress to the group that John is not saying 'Your acts are going to save you.' Ephesians 2:8-10 make it clear that we cannot earn salvation.
Drew McClure tells the story of a husband coming home to his wife one day with a bouquet of flowers. As he gives them to her, her face lights up, and she gets so excited: "What made you do this? I mean, it’s not my birthday, it’s not Christmas; it’s not Valentine’s Day. Why’d you bring these to me?" "Well, I heard that there's a manual somewhere that says that this is what husbands are supposed to do, so… here it is." Imagine how quickly those flowers would fall drop from her hands. How quickly would all the joy be taken from her? By contrast, imagine the same scene, with the husband, the flowers and all the questions only this time, the husband's reply is, "I just wanted to do something nice for you,'cause I love you."
The actions in our lives should be a response to God's love, grace and mercy... not an effort to earn them and this is John's point. John is saying (quite bluntly): our actions should be an outward indication of the change that has gone on inside of us. The fact that the Jews weren't living fruitful lives gave John reason to challenge their motives: were they willing to change their lives out of changed hearts, or were they simply there because they were worried that they were missing out?
23.4 Our last glimpse into John's life teach the consequences of being obedient and living that transformed life. Read Luke 3:19-20 and Mark 6:17-29. John's fearlessness in speaking the truths of God's Law offended people. But it didn't silence him; he was unafraid of man (compare Psalm 56:3-4). he was full of the Holy Spirit and willing to endure whatever price he must for the Gospel.
His ministry had a cost. All ministry has a cost. Jesus told his followers to 'take up their crosses' and later stated that 'the world would hate' them. God calls us to put the things - the fears and desires - of the flesh to death in following Him.
Can the group think of anything God has asked/may be asking them to sacrifice?
23.5 We end this week by returning to the question of what set John apart. Was it his fearlessness? His honesty and bluntness? His humility? No, it was something more.
All of the Old Testament prophets - in fact every person who had gone before - only knew God from a distance. He was a God who 'lived in a box'*, behind a curtain, that only priests could access. Now, God had become a man and John could literally point people to Him. Re-read John 1:36-37. John had the very first privilege of introducing people to intimate relationship with the Messiah. He was not just a signpost; he was the final signpost.
*Andrew Wilson (Mission:Worship '09)
Week 23: Summary
This week's study has been a deeply challenging one; moreso than any of our previous sessions and it is perhaps fitting. No longer can we look at God through the telescope of the Old Testament men and women; no, Jesus has come and, just like John: we are encouraged to get serious about knowing him. Some of these challenging characteristics of God include:
- God requires - and blesses - humility
- God wants our hearts, not our actions
- He calls us to a costly ministry