Isaiah Intro

Introduction to Isaiah

     BACKGROUND

          Historical Setting

          Author

          Structure

     KEY THEMES

          Holy One of Israel

          Exile/Homecoming

          The Servant

Discipleship group questions

Launching questions

• How do the concepts of exile and home resonate in your own story? When have you felt most “at home” and what contributed to that sense of wellbeing? When have you felt most “exiled” and what dynamics led to that sense of displacement?
• Take turns reading aloud the texts from Sunday (Isaiah 1:1-4; 40:1-9; 53:3-6). What do you remember most from the teaching?

Encourage

• What does it mean to say God is holy? Is that concept an encouraging or discouraging reality to you? Why so?
• What does it mean to approach Jesus as the true and faithful prophet? Priest? King? See how practical you can be with your answers. In other words, what difference does it make in your own life that Jesus was and is the ideal Servant about whom Isaiah prophesied?

Challenge

• Read 1 Peter 2:9-11; Hebrews 11:13-16; Romans 8:23-25; and 2 Corinthians 5:1-7. Each of these passages addresses the current “exile” of followers of Jesus. Do you tend to think of yourself in that way? How might it change your mindset and actions toward others, if you took more seriously the reality that we are “not yet home” but rather “on the way”? Draw your answers, as much as possible, from the texts you’ve just read.
• Before you pray, share at least one way you’d like to practically respond to what you’ve discussed during this time. Be specific and then lift these things before God in prayer together.