Episode 1: Preparing a way for Jesus

Break the Ice

What’s a word you think is most overused?

Bring the Word

Read John 1:1-5, 14-18

• According to these passages, who was the Word? 
• What are some of the significance of what John the Apostle tells us about the Word?

Read John 1:6-13

• What was John the Baptist’s purpose?
• Was John the Baptist necessary? Why or why not?
• Why do you think the world did not recognize the Word?
• If John the Baptist was to make a way (or help set apart) Jesus so the world would recognize and listen to Him, who and what would set John the Baptist apart to make people listen to him in the first place?
• How is our role in someone’s salvation similar to John the Baptist’s role?

Read Luke 1:5-23

• How would you describe Zechariah’s standing with God?
• Why do you think he gave the response found in v. 18? 
• What other way might you expect him to respond? Why?
• What do you think was the point of the punishment given to Zechariah?

Read Luke 1:57-66

• Why do you think the people thought the child should be named Zechariah?
• Why were people making signs to Zechariah? (Was he deaf and mute?)
• Do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth had already decided on the name of the child? Why or why not?
• What was Zechariah’s reaction when his tongue was set free?
• What do you think would have happened if this had been his reaction when he received the news from Gabriel in the temple?
• Would his reaction have more impact then or now? Why?

Bring it Home

• How did the events surrounding John the Baptist’s birth help him serve his purpose?
• What would you say is your purpose?
• What has God used to set your life up to accomplish your purpose? (It may help to think of the events around your 2nd birth).
• How can we pray for you?

Bonus:

Name meanings:  

Zechariah = “The Lord has remembered”  

Elizabeth = “My God is an Oath” or “my God is abundance”

John = “Yahweh is Gracious”

Jesus = “to Deliver” of “to rescue”

Gabriel = “God is my strength”