Behold...Emmanuel - God With Us. Matthew 1:23. Week 3

The third week is "Joy." Please read Isaiah 35:1-10. Questions: 1) When was the last time you or someone in your family "danced in the streets for joy" ? 2) In contrast to those God destroys (see Isaiah 34), what will happen to the land and people He saves? What does the image of the crocus bursting into bloom convey to you? What does this show you about the ultimate purpose of God's judgment? 3) What effect will this spring-like salvation have on the people (v. 5-10)? When do you think such everlasting joy will come? 4) What pressures are "causing your hands and knees to tremble" now? How might the message of verse 4 bring strength to you? 5) Is the water of God's Spirit more like a flooded spring or a plugged faucet in your life now? Why? What will it take to release all the joy of the redeemed in your life? Please read Matthew 11:2-11 Questions: 1) Who questions Jesus (v. 2)? Where is John? How did he land in prison (see 14:1-5)? 2) Where is John's joy? Does he believe in Emmanuel? (v. 3)? Does Jesus answer John more with promises or with evidence? Why? How might John, who knew the OT well, have interpreted Jesus' reply (see Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1)? 4) How have people who are experiencing difficulties (people of color, women, poor folk, queer folk and others) used their circumstances to strengthen their faith in God? 5) How does God's compassion for the poor as expressed in Christ Jesus (see 11:4-6; Luke 4:18-19) encouraged people who live in the margins of society? Why didn't Jesus' compassion for those in need encourage John? 6) What did Jesus say about John (see 11:7-11)? 7) How do we experience Emmanuel when we volunteer to help people through ministries like the Forgotten Harvest? 8) Please discuss additional questions that you have about this text. Have fun❤️.