Introduction // 5 minutes
What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep?
Leader Note: Be sure to get the story behind the answer here.
Observation // 10 minutes
Read Luke 3:1-4
What do you learn about the power of God’s word?
Sample answers may include
- God’s word came to one person at a specific time (v.2)
- God’s word meet John in the wilderness, in an unexpected place (v.2)
- It prompted action from John, calling people to be baptized (v.3)
- It compelled others to action, to repent and to be baptized (v.3)
- It’s prophetic, speaks of things to come (v.4)
Commentary: God’s message to John came during the “intertesatmental period”, which was a 400-year span of time between the Old and New Testament writings. This period of time has been also called the “400 years of silence” where God revealed nothing to his people through the prophets.
John emerges as the first person since the prophet Malachi with a word from God to his people. Luke highlights the physical location where John received God’s word (the wildness) and would undoubtedly want his audience to make the connection to the spiritual wilderness that the people of Israel had been in for 400 years.
Understanding // 10 minutes
What’s the longest you’ve been apart from a loved one?
What were the circumstances and how did you feel during that time?
Leader Note: They say, “Absences makes the heart grow fonder.” While that may be true prolonged absence can also make the heart grow cold and lonely. Spend time focusing on the emotions of the “in between time.”
Application // 15 minutes
Describe a time in your life where God seemed/seems silent?
What would it look like for you to trust God in a “wilderness” season?
Leader Note: As with all questions you set the tone by your response. Be honest and vulnerable and make it safe for others to answer with the same level of honesty.
Commentary: Just because God seems silent it doesn’t mean He’s not listening. Nor does it mean that He’s absent. Just as with John the Baptist, God often uses “wilderness” moments to shape and grow us into people who trust and depend on God’s spirit. Avoid rushing into advice giving or rescuing too quickly during this question. Allow space for honest lament and questioning while inviting the Holy Spirit to bring comfort and clarity in your closing group prayer.
Live It Out // 5 minutes
Who could you impact by persevering through a “wilderness season” of life?
Prayer: Pray boldly for God’s spirit to comfort and guide in times of silence and in times of suffering. Pray for perseverance to hold on to God’s word and truth and for supernatural strength to trust Him in those times.