Bible reading (ESV)
- Matthew 3:1–8
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ” Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then people from Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
- Isaiah 11:1–9
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
- Romans 15:1–7
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Observation questions
- Read Matthew 3:1–8. What three actions or responses does John the Baptist call for in this passage (what he preaches, how people come, and what he warns against)? Which phrase expresses the kind of change John expects?
- Read Isaiah 11:1–9. What images or contrasts in this passage most shape the biblical picture of the peace that comes with the Messiah? What do those images say about how complete that peace is?
- “Repentance is the doorway to peace.” What does that phrase describe as the relationship between repentance and the kingdom’s nearness? [15:18]
- In Romans 15:1–7 the text uses the categories “strong” and “weak.” What does the passage say the strong are to do for the weak, and why (what end is Paul pointing to)?
Interpretation questions
- How does John’s demand to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8) shape the group’s understanding of what repentance actually looks like in everyday life—especially when someone is already “religious” or appears outwardly correct?
- Isaiah’s vision pictures a world transformed from the roots (the shoot from Jesse) rather than merely tidied at the surface. What does it mean theologically to say peace must come from the roots? How does that affect expectations about how long change takes and what it looks like in people’s lives?
- Romans 15 calls believers to “bear with the failings of the weak” so the community may “with one voice glorify God.” What tensions arise when bearing with someone’s immaturity seems to enable bad choices? How can bearing with be practiced without excusing sin? [27:59]
- Jesus promises “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives” (John 14:27 quoted in the talk). How should the difference between “worldly peace” and “Jesus’ peace” change the way the church moves into anxious or toxic contexts rather than away from them? [11:24]
Application questions
- Repentance invites Jesus to “come in” to the messy rooms you’d rather keep closed. What is one specific area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit knocking—an area you’ve been keeping tidy on the outside but know needs root change? How would you open that door this week? [25:49]
- Repentance must bear fruit. What concrete change would show that repentance in that area is becoming real (a habit to quit, a habit to start, a person to call, a boundary to set)? Who could you tell about this so they can encourage and gently hold you accountable? [15:18]
- The strong are asked to bear with the weak: welcome, serve, and build others up. Name one person in your circle who is spiritually less mature or relationally fragile. What is one small, practical step you can take in the next two weeks to welcome or serve them (invite to coffee, help with a need, teach a practice, sit and listen)? [27:59]
- Peacemaking requires moving toward people, not avoiding or punishing. Who is one person you have been avoiding this season? What’s a low-risk first move you could make to “do your peace” toward them (a short apology, an invitation, an offer of help)? [39:33]
- Each person has a “piece” to play in the harmony of the community. What is your piece right now—what can you do that only you can do to help your household, life group, or neighborhood reflect Jesus’ peace (for example: forgive, apologize, give something away, serve quietly)? Commit to one concrete act and a date to do it. [42:17]
- The Holy Spirit produces peace that enables us to go into toxic places wearing God’s power. What spiritual practices will you adopt or re-commit to this Advent season that help you receive God’s peace (prayer, Scripture, confession, Sabbath, joining a small group)? How will those practices equip you to enter a difficult relationship or gathering differently? [36:43]
- As repentance opens the door and peacemaking gathers, communities become a sign to the neighborhood. Who can you invite into a simple shared act of peace this month (helping a neighbor, a shared meal, serving someone together)? Plan the step and a possible date. [43:31]
