Study GuideNovember 30-December 28, 2014

Countdown (Introduction) .........................................................................................................5

Waiting for a Prophet (Lesson 1, November 30) ........................................................................6 Deuteronomy 18:14-20

Waiting for a Priest (Lesson 2, December 7) ..............................................................................8 Isaiah 53:4-6

Waiting for a Shepherd (Lesson 3, December 14) ....................................................................10 Micah 5:2-4

Waiting for a King (Lesson 4, December 21) ............................................................................12 Isaiah 9:6-7

Waiting for a Return (Lesson 5, December 28) .........................................................................14 Acts 1:6-11

Table of Contents

5

Countdown (Introduction)

As a child, there was no day that I anticipated more than Christmas. My sister and brother and I would have countdown chains, we would update the Advent Calendar, we would make Christmas lists, and we would wait for the big day. The night before Christmas, the three of us would all settle down in the same room and try to sleep so that Christmas morning would come sooner, but our anticipation would keep us up far later than our normal bedtime. We knew that the next day held wonders and fun and excitement, and we just couldn’t wait.

As we grow older, most of us don’t anticipate Christmas with the same enthusiasm that we felt as children. In fact, sometimes we can dread the Christmas season because of the stress and busyness that it brings. Christmas loses much of its magic and our former anticipation can end up seeming childish and silly.

While it could be argued that it is a bit immature to exude deep anticipation about receiving presents and decorating trees, Christmas invites anticipation for all people for all times. In fact, the first Christmas was anticipated for many millennia by people who had received promises from God. The first Christmas, when the Son of God took on the human form of a baby, was the long-expected fulfillment of the anticipation of God’s people for many years.

So why was Jesus – the original Christmas gift – so highly anticipated? It is because people have always known that there

is something wrong with the world – something wrong within us – and that we need someone to fix it. Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise that God would send someone to save the human race from darkness, from confusion, from isolation, and from final judgment. Jesus was anticipated because He had arrived to connect people to God and to lead them to freedom and life. If children get giddy about a few wrapped toys, how joyful should we be over the anticipation of the one sent to bring final healing and salvation?

But there is something important that we must realize: We live on the other side of this anticipation. The gift of Jesus has already arrived. He has already brought life and freedom and forgiveness...a gift we have already received. Christmas has already come! Once a child has opened their Christmas gifts, the hope is not that they rush to their room to begin making a countdown chain for next Christmas. The hope is that they enjoy what they received.

This series of lessons will focus on the long-anticipated Jesus and will explore what God’s people have received in Him. He is the prophet who brings us the wisdom and illumination of God. He is the priest who brings forgiveness of all of our sins through His sacrifice. He is the shepherd who personally guides us through our troubles and difficulties. He is the king who brings peace and justice. And one day, He will return to fulfill all of God’s promises.

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Main Point Jesus fulfilled the anticipation of a prophet who would come and reveal who God is and what God says.

Introduction In the children’s story “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” an emperor is tricked by swindlers who promise to make him new clothes, but give him nothing at all. Despite this, the emperor pretends that he has been given beautiful garments and he parades before his subjects proudly. The subjects join in the fantasy and comment to one another about how beautiful the emperor’s new clothes are. This all continues until a child finally points out to everyone that the emperor is wearing no clothes. When this happens, the emperor and all of his subjects finally come face to face with the truth.

The boy in the story serves as a prophetic voice. He speaks unpopular truth into a situation that could have been hostile to that truth. This is what prophets do. They lead people away from widespread deception and shout the truth to anyone who will listen.

We all need prophets. We need people to awaken us from our fog and to help us to see the truth – truth that will set us free. God consistently sent prophets to His people, but these prophets were only around for a while before their time was up. But God promised that one day He would send a once-for-all prophet who would tell the truth and set people free.

This lesson is about the anticipation for a truth-teller. It is about how God’s people counted down the days until a prophet would come and tell them about God. It will explore how Jesus serves as the once-for-all prophet, and also how we today listen to His voice and respond.

Question for Family Discussion1. Share about a time when you knew that you desperately

needed someone to give you instruction on a certain topic.

Getting Started2. What are some common ways that people around you

seek out wisdom and information?

3. Have you ever had great anticipation for getting a piece of wisdom or information from someone? If so, explain the situation.

Digging InRead Deuteronomy 18:14-20.14The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so. 15The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. 16For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.”17The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them every-thing I command him. 19I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. 20But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”

4. In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about their new life in the land that God had promised them. According to verse 14, to whom do the neighboring nations look when they feel the need for divine direction?

Waiting for a Prophet (Lesson 1, November 30)Deuteronomy 18:14-20

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5. Instead of sending people to mediums and sorcerers, what does verse 15 say that God will do in order to instruct His people?

6. What do you think Moses has in mind when he speaks in verses 14 and 15 about “listening?” For a supplement, look up James 1:22-25 and write about how this passage contributes to the discussion.

7. God promised to raise up a prophet like Moses. To the extent that you know about how Moses interacted with the people, what do you think would be some marks of a prophet like Moses?

8. What does verse 18 say about the role of the prophet whom God promised to send?

9. What does verse 19 say about the importance of listening to the prophet whom God will send?

10. What does verse 20 about the importance of not presumptuously speaking in God’s name?

11. Read John 6:1-15. After Jesus gave bread to God’s people (much like Moses with the manna), what did the people conclude about Him?

Wrestling With Issues12. The Israelites were told that they were not permitted to

inquire from sorcerers or mediums because they were to listen to God’s words through His prophets instead. Make the cultural shift from ancient Israel to the 21st century in the United States. If God was making a similar statement to His people today, to whom do you think He would warn them not to listen?

13. God has called His people to listen to Jesus, but this does not mean shutting their ears to everyone and everything else. What do you think it looks like to respond appropriately to Jesus’ words and teaching without ignoring the wisdom and knowledge that are available through other sources?

Taking it to Heart14. After centuries of anticipation, Jesus fulfilled the promise

of a prophet who would tell people who God is and what He says. How can you actively receive Jesus as the long-expected prophet?

15. Listening to Jesus often means that we end up being called to do things that make us afraid or uncomfortable. Name one way that you believe Jesus is calling you to step out in faith and trust that what He says is true and good.

Notes

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Main Point Jesus fulfilled the anticipation of a priest who would come and take away the guilt of the people.

Introduction Imagine that you are in prison. You are not there by some mistake or false accusation, but because you committed a crime. Year after year you attend your parole hearing. Each year you plead the same case, saying you are sorry and throwing yourself at the mercy of the court. Each year the answer is the same: No.

So, you wait. And you wait. And you hope that someday someone will hear your case and show you the mercy that you so desperately need.

Despite the fact that we live in a culture that largely sees human beings as inherently good, Scripture depicts us as guilty of great crimes against God. We are in need of mercy. We are in need of a pardon.

In the Old Testament this fact was consistently acknowledged through the Jewish sacrificial system. Priests would regularly perform sacrifices, in order to cover the sins of God’s people. But there was a promise that one day someone would come and officiate over a once-for-all sacrifice that would finally bring a pardon for God’s people.

This lesson will explore our need for a priest – someone who will go before God and remove our guilt. It will also explore how that promise was fulfilled in Jesus, and how we live today in light of the great sacrifice that He made for us.

Question for Family Discussion1. Share about a time when you knew that you were guilty

of something.

Getting Started2. What are some ways that people try to deal with

their guilt?

3. Are you more likely to deal with your personal guilt by ignoring it or by being crushed by it?

Digging InRead Isaiah 53:4-6. This passage is part of a prophecy about the Messiah, who Isaiah refers to as the Servant of God.4Surely he took up our pains and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

4. Verse 4 talks about the Servant taking up our “pains” and “suffering.” What are some examples of pain and suffering from which you long for relief?

Waiting for a Priest (Lesson 2, December 7)Isaiah 53:4-6

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5. Verse 5 talks about the Servant being punished for our “transgressions” and “iniquities.” How does this impact you on a personal and emotional level? Is it offensive? Is it relieving? Share your response.

6. This passage talks about the Servant delivering God’s people both from their victimization (pain) and from their guilt (transgressions). How does this impact your view of the deepest needs of human beings?

7. What do the last two lines of verse 5 say about the impact of the suffering Servant?

8. What does the first part of verse 6 say about the reason why the Servant needed to suffer for the people?

9. Verse 6 says that the LORD Himself laid on the servant “the iniquity of us all.” What does this mean about the scope of what this servant was going to do?

10. In 1 Peter 2:24-25, how does Peter see Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage?

Wrestling With Issues11. In the Old Testament, priests made many sacrifices in order

to cleanse people before God. In each case, an animal would have to be put to death in order to cover the sin of the people. What does this sacrificial system tell you about how seriously God takes sin?

12. If Jesus’ sufferings have covered all of our sins, does this mean that we don’t need to feel bad when we sin? Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-12 and comment on its relevance to this question.

Taking it to Heart13. What are some implications – emotionally, physically,

intellectually – of the suffering Servant taking the full punishment for your sin and guilt?

14. According to Scripture, you no longer have to wait around and anticipate someone who will come and take away your guilt and shame. Jesus already has done this. How can you live in light of this gift that has already been given?

Notes

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10

Main Point Jesus fulfilled the anticipation of a shepherd who would come and care for His people and lead them to peace and rest.

Introduction When I used to attend high school camp, we would play a game that involved one person being blindfolded and another person leading them through a maze. The blindfolded person was the one who had to accomplish a series of tasks, but their partner would guide them – gently and urgently – so that they could safely and successfully make it through. The blindfolded person never could have made it on their own. They needed a guide to help them navigate the maze.

We all encounter times in our lives when we realize that we need someone to guide us. This is what a shepherd does for his sheep. He guides them through obstacles, away from danger, and toward life and freedom.

Despite the fact that there are times when we feel fairly self-sufficient, we all know that we are in need of someone to guide us. In the Old Testament, God promised that He would send someone to shepherd His people. God’s people had great anticipation that this shepherd would once-and-for-all lead and guide them. They – like us – knew that they needed a shepherd.

This lesson will explore the prophecy about the shepherd-to-come, and it will also explore how we respond to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as the ultimate guide and care-giver.

Question for Family Discussion1. What are some characteristics of someone who is good at

caring for others?

Getting Started2. In Scripture, the shepherd is seen as someone who gently

– yet courageously – guides others toward peace and rest. Share about a time when you felt that someone did this for you.

3. Taking into account the biblical idea of the shepherd, what are some reasons why people today need to be shepherded?

Digging InRead Micah 5:2-4.2“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 3Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. 4He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.

4. Verse 2 speaks of someone important emerging from the town of Bethlehem. What else does this verse say about this person?

Waiting for a Shepherd (Lesson 3, December 14)Micah 5:2-4

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5. Read Matthew 2:1-6. What does that passage tell you about how Micah’s prophecy was understood by the Jewish scholars?

6. What does verse 3 say about the state of Israel before this person arrives?

7. How does verse 3 speak to the need for the person promised in this prophecy?

8. Verse 4 speaks of this person as a shepherd. What are the marks of how he will shepherd his people?

9. According to verse 4, how will the shepherd impact the flock?

10. Read John 10:11-15. In this passage, how do Jesus’ words relate to what Micah says about the shepherd to come?

Wrestling With Issues11. Today, many people are skeptical about following leaders

and authorities because of the selfishness and abuse that we often see. How do you think this impacts your ability to follow the lead of Jesus as your shepherd?

12. In Psalm 23, which speaks of God as the shepherd of His people, there is mention of the shepherd’s rod and staff. This reveals the idea that sometimes the shepherd has to guide the sheep, even when they are resistant to his leading. What are some ways that you think Jesus shepherds people who are resistant?

Taking it to Heart13. Share some specific reasons why you need God’s

shepherding in your life today.

14. The Good Shepherd already came. Jesus arrived and now, through His Spirit, He shepherds and leads His people. What are some ways that you can actively follow His lead?

Notes

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12

Main Point Jesus fulfilled the anticipation of a king who would come and rule the world with justice and mercy.

Introduction In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, the people of Israel ask God to give them a king. Up until this time, they simply listened to prophets and lived under divine rule. Despite being warned constantly that a king would tax them and send them off to war, they continued to demand a king. God gave them a king, and all of the warnings consistently came true. Every single king, even the good ones, fell short of the longings of the people.

At the same time, the people of Israel were not wrong to want a king. All of us long for someone to rule and establish justice around us. We demonstrate this desire in the U.S. every four years when we passionately pull for a candidate to be in the White House. We long for a hero, who will fight our battles for us, and lead us to a greater life.

This lesson will explore God’s promises about a future king. It will look at a people’s anticipation of a ruler who would bring peace and justice. And it will explore how we live in light of the appearance of Jesus, the once-and-future king.

Question for Family Discussion1. What makes someone a good leader?

Getting Started2. Share about both your attitude toward authority and also

what contributed to you arriving at that attitude.

3. What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of a nation having an absolute ruler?

Digging InRead Isaiah 9:6-7. 6For 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. 7Of 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.

4. In verse 6, what do you think is the significance of the emphasis of a child being born “to us”?

5. Verse 6 says that the government will be on his shoulders. Does this strike you more as a statement about his privilege or about his responsibility? Share about how you came to your answer.

Waiting for a King (Lesson 4, December 21)Isaiah 9:6-7

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6. Read the titles and descriptions given to this “child” in verse 6. What does each title tell you about the kind of king he will be?

7. Verse 7 speaks of there being “no end” to the peace he will bring. It speaks of him establishing justice “from that time on and forever.” Why is the everlasting nature of this king’s reign so significant?

8. Verse 7 speaks of him establishing his kingdom with justice and righteousness. What in this passage would lead you to believe that he would actually have the ability to do this?

9. What do you think is the significance of the statement about God’s zeal at the end of verse 7?

Wrestling With Issues10. If Jesus is this promised king, has His rule already started

or will it begin when He returns?

11. Since Jesus is the true and final ruler, how does this impact your perspective and attitude toward the temporary rulers that you encounter?

Taking it to Heart12. This passage promises that one day Jesus is going to bring

final justice and peace to the world. Share some specific things that you long to be made right.

13. What makes Jesus able to deal with world problems in ways that other leaders and rulers can’t?

14. Jesus is not currently ruling on a physical throne on earth. What, then, do you think it looks like to live in light of Him as the true king?

Notes

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14

Main Point While Jesus has already appeared to fulfill God’s promises, we await His return, when He will bring final deliverance.

Introduction Imagine that you receive a message saying that a rich, obscure relative – someone you never met – has died and left you a small fortune. The inheritance left to you will change your life and allow you not to have to worry about money ever again. The only hang-up is that the will has to be processed before the money is handed out, and no one is sure how long it will take. You are told that it could be only a few weeks, but that it sometimes takes up to a few years in extreme cases.

So, here is the question: What does it look like to live in light of a fortune that you don’t yet possess? Do you live as a millionaire or do you continue to live at your current standard of living? On the one hand, you don’t want to overextend yourself and run out of money before the inheritance comes. On the other hand, you don’t want to be a miser, knowing that soon you will have more money than you could ever spend.

This scenario is a little like how Christians are called to live in light of Jesus’ second coming. We are living in light of an inheritance we have not yet fully received. On the one hand we want to be wise, so that we don’t end up having to rely on others for our daily needs. On the other hand we want to live with urgency, so that we don’t miss opportunities that will be gone once Jesus returns.

This lesson walks through what Scripture says about Jesus’ promised return. In it, you will be challenged to live in light of this final hope with both wisdom and urgency.

Question for Family Discussion1. Name something in the future to which you really

look forward.

Getting Started2. Share about a time when your hope for the future guided

you through a difficult situation.

3. Jesus made clear and compelling promises that one day He would return to the earth. How much time do you spend thinking about His second coming, and why?

Digging InRead Acts 1:6-11.6Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”9After he said this, he was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

4. In verse 6, what were Jesus’ disciples anxious for him to do?

Waiting for a Return (Lesson 5, December 28)Acts 1:6-11

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5. How would the lives of the disciples have changed if Jesus established His kingdom on the earth right at that time?

6. Instead of preoccupying the disciples with details of the future, toward what does Jesus point them as their focus?

7. After Jesus leaves, what hope do the angels give to the disciples?

8. The angels say that Jesus will come back “in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” What do you think “the same way” means?

9. Look up the following passages and write about what each one says about the second coming of Jesus:

Matthew 24:26-28

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

2 Peter 3:8-10

Wrestling With Issues10. What does it look like to await Jesus’ return actively, but

still to plan for the future?

Taking it to Heart11. If you knew that Jesus was going to return within a month,

what would you spend that month doing?

12. What are some temporary concerns that distract you from considering Jesus’ second coming?

13. What do you feel that God is calling you to change about your life, so that it better reflects the anticipation of Jesus return?

Notes

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