We have to make guesses about outcomes, but God doesn’t make calculated predictions. Whatever He speaks about, He has firmly set in place and will come to pass.

KEY VERSES

Isaiah 53:4-7 (NASB)

4 However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore, and our pains that He carried; yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted, struck down by God, and humiliated. 5 But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.

UNDERSTANDING

• From this passage, in what way did people misunderstand God’s gift of Jesus?

• How does this reveal the way we often miss the purposes of God in the world?

• Why is God’s will usually different than our own? What does that teach us when we are wondering or waiting on Him to come through for us in our present circumstances?

• How have you experienced this personally, or where do you need to experience it personally now?

• How was the death of Jesus on our behalf? Why does His punishment bring us well-being (“peace”, NIV)?

• Put verse 6 in your own words.

• Why was Jesus crushed, pierced, and humiliated as He was?

• Why do all people need to be reconciled to God?

• Why is it easier to focus on other people’s sin and need for reconciliation than our own?

• How should your own need for reconciliation with God impact the way you view other people who need to be reconciled to God?

• Compare Mark 15:2-5 with Isaiah 53:7. How does Jesus’s identity as God in human flesh give more weight to the fact that He willingly went to the cross and did not speak against His accusers though He commited no sin? What does this tell you about God’s commitment to His promises?

• How might this fact help us when we’re waiting for God to fulfill His promises in our lives and He seems silent?
  

APPLICATION

• What stands out to you the most personally in our study of Isaiah 53 as it relates to Christmas this year?

• How do you want to worship Christ differently this Christmas? What changes need to take place for that to happen?

• Pastor Anthony asked if you know God’s promises. What steps can you take this week to learn His promises? to trust His promises even when your circumstances would have you think all hope is lost?

• In what areas of life is your relationship with God or trust in Him more like a guessing game than confident assurance? How does Isaiah 53 encourage you to relate to
  Him differently?

• What are some ways we can practically show others what a great gift God has given us in Jesus Christ, so that they might not miss out on relationship with Him—the true meaning of Christmas?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.