Get to know each other:
What is a job you wanted to have as a child? Is that at all related to the job you have today?

Quick Overview of Podcast

Discussion questions:
1. Jesus is often viewed as just a good moral teacher, or he is seen as the son of God. How would you describe your view of Jesus

Read aloud:
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

2. As Pastor Matt referenced in the podcast, this passage is a prophecy about Jesus from the Old Testament. What words or phrases about Jesus in this passage stand out to you?

3. We believe that Jesus saves us from our sin, and saves us so that we can experience abundant life. What do you think it looks like to embrace the forgiveness Jesus offers? What does it look like to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers?

4. Do you agree that ‘life is better with Jesus’? How have you experienced this in your own life?

Taking it further:
Part of Jesus’ invitation to us is to confess our sins, so that we may experience forgiveness. This week try praying this prayer of confession each day. Consider the things that have gotten in the way of you loving God and others. Turn those things over to God. Let’s pray it now:

“Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with our whole heart; I have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.”

Pastor: In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
All: Thank you. Amen.

5. What was it like for you to say this prayer?

Prayer time:
Often when we ask for prayer requests in a setting like this we all default to bringing our concerns for others. This is a good practice, but it also allows us to avoid thinking about how our group can pray for us specifically. It can be something big or something small, but we want to share our celebrations and concerns for ourselves in this group.  

So, how can we pray for you this week?