For Sunday, April 5, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, April 5, 2009.

1) Isaiah 49:15-16
What were the people asking God? What was God’s answer to them? Have you ever felt forgotten by God? During your Good Friday observance this year, remember your name carved into Jesus’ scarred hands.
Isaiah 50:10-11
Isaiah uses an unusual metaphor here. Usually in the Bible, light is good and dark is evil. What is God saying about those walking in the dark? What happens when people make their own sources of light instead of trusting God? How does this apply to your life right now?

2) Isaiah 53
In this prophecy about Jesus, how did Isaiah describe Him? How did Isaiah describe His suffering? What stands out to you in this passage? Why?

3) Isaiah 53
According to this prophecy, what would be the cause of Jesus’ suffering? What would be the purpose of Him going through that suffering? How would He be received by humanity?
In what sense have you participated in the causes of Jesus’ suffering? As you meditate on this truth, describe the feelings you experience.

4) Matthew 8:16-17; John 1:11; Matthew 26:57-66; Mark 15:21-32; Matthew 27:57-60
Compare these passages to the Isaiah 53 passage. Which prophecies came true?
Luke 18:31-34
How well did Jesus know the prophecies about His death?

Bonus reading:
2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 2:22-25
Finish this sentence: I believe Jesus’ death was a sufficient sacrifice to make me right with God because….
What does it mean to you personally when you think of Jesus as your sufficient sacrifice?