Far as the Curse Is Found

December 17, 2023

Ask any gardener and they can tell you about the curse of weeds and thorns that infest the ground. It will require work if you want to grow flowers, vegetables, or a beautiful yard. The things we don’t want will grow without effort, while the things we want require constant attention. This is the nature of sin in our lives and the world. Join us for part 4 of Joy to the World, where we will learn how Jesus came to change the landscape of our world and your life.

Listen to Podcast

Passages

Isaiah 40:1-5

Jesus offers ##Comfort##. (Isaiah 40:1-2)

Jesus requires ##Change##. (Isaiah 40:3-4)

Jesus brings ##Clarity##. (Isaiah 40:5)

Principle

Jesus wants to change the ##landscape## of your ##life##.

Practice

Prepare the way of the Lord by ##repenting## of your ##sin##.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Have you ever participated in a significant home renovation or landscaping project? What makes programs about renovations so popular?

HEAR

Read Isaiah 40:1-5

Who were the original recipients of Isaiah’s message? Considering the current situation in Israel, has this prophecy been fulfilled? Why or why not?
How were people to prepare the way of the Lord?
Verse five declares that the “Glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” Has this already happened? If so, when? If not, when will it?

Read Luke 1:57-80

What is the significance of this passage?
According to Zechariah, what will John do (vs. 76-79)?

Read Luke 3:2-17

According to John, what was required to prepare for the coming Messiah?
What does it mean to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance”? What three examples does John offer? Can you give other examples of bearing the fruit of repentance?
Since we know that Jesus fulfills Isaiah's and John’s prophecies, do we still need to prepare the way of the Lord? If so, how?

HUDDLE

As you prepare the way for the Lord, what rough places in your life need to be made plain? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you make room for Jesus in your celebration of Christmas.

Day 1: Isaiah 40
Day 2: Isaiah 41
Day 3: Isaiah 42
Day 4: Matthew 1
Day 5: Luke 2:1-38
Day 6: Matthew 2
Day 7: Luke 2:39-52

Think Deeper

Does the idea of Christmas bring you comfort? Why or why not?
Is anything obscuring your view of God? If so, what?
What rough places in your life would you need to make plain for others to see Christ in you?