Preparing the Way

Questions for Reflection

Read Luke 3:3-14

• In verse 8, John says, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” What does this mean? How does true repentance lead to good fruit?

• What is the “good fruit” that people (the crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers) are called to produce according to John in this passage? What similarities and commonalities do you see in what John told each group to do? What then does true repentance look like, according to John?

• How might we apply John’s words to our world today?

Read Matthew 11:1-6

• Why do you think John asked Jesus if He was the One who was to come? John had already encountered Jesus, so why do you think he is asking this question?

• What evidence does Jesus give John’s disciples that He is the Messiah? How would you summarize Jesus’ description of His Kingdom? What evidence would you give today that God’s Kingdom is here?

• In verse 6, Jesus says, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble” on account of Him. Why might people stumble or be offended by Jesus at this moment in His ministry?

• The Rev. Dominique Guilliard (our Preacher this week) said, “The world doesn’t want us just to say that Jesus is Lord, they want to see that Jesus is Lord through how we live and love… And this season of Lent is a season when we are supposed to cultivate eyes to see the suffering around us, ears to hear the cries of our wounded neighbors and hearts to respond with the love of Christ whenever we encounter it.” We are called to be in community with those who suffer, showing them through loving action that God is with us.

  • What are some of the ways that God is inviting you to get closer to those who suffer this week?