week of January 10

Isaiah 43:1-7

Psalm 29

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Acts 8:14-17

 

1.      To whom is Isaiah writing in Chapter 43, which is a part of what is referred to as Second Isaiah? What message does Isaiah have for these people (v. 1)? Why are people no longer to fear (v. 1b)? Is this a message of hope? How are the people called and what does it signify (v. 1b)?

 

2.      What is Isaiah prophesying in verse 2—what will happen to the people? What is God going to give the leader of the Babylonians for the people of Israel and Judah (v. 3)? Why is God doing this—did the people so something right (v. 4)? From where will all the people of Israel and Judah be called (vv. 5-6)? Did God create all humanity? So, who is Isaiah talking about in verse 7? Are you being called by God?

 

3.      What does the word ascribe mean? Who is called to do the ascribing? How are the actions of God personified—by what (vv. 3-5, 7-9)?

 

4.      How do you describe God? What do you ascribe to God? What gifts has God given you?

 

5.      Why were the people filled with expectation and asking themselves questions about John (v. 15)? How does John respond (v. 16)? Do you think John had a large ego (v. 16)? Who does John say is coming and what will he do (v. 16)? What will this person be carrying and what does John mean (v. 17)? Did Jesus ever deny anyone—what did Jesus offer everyone?

 

6.      Was Jesus baptized (v. 21)? What was the response of Jesus (v. 21)? What did Jesus receive (v. 22)? What does God say about Jesus (v. 22)? Why do you think it necessary for Jesus to be baptized and for God to speak?

 

7.      What did the apostles in Jerusalem hear about some people in Samaria (v. 14a)? What was   their immediate response (v. 14b)? Who was sent and what was the first action (v. 15)? What did Jesus do after he had initially been baptized by John?

 

8.      What had Peter and John received that they passed on to the believers in Samaria (v. 17)? How was this passage symbolized (v. 17)? How is it symbolized today?

 

Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 17, 2016

Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm 36:5-10

John 2:1-11

    1 Corinthians 12:1-11