LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
On Sunday, we were introduced to the man who was born blind. In this story, we saw Jesus restore sight and also were reminded of who Jesus revealed Himself to be earlier in John 8: The Light of the World. Jesus performed many miracles in His time here on earth. While many may have taken them for granted, Jesus continued to perform them in order that He could not only meet human needs, but also to use them as a starting point in teaching a spiritual truth. This miracle was no different!

In the case of the blind man, many tried to blame his blindness on sin. Jesus had other plans! He looked beyond the blindness and saw the need of the man. Through his healing, Jesus not only brought sight to the blind man, but He brought glory to God! He also revealed a truth about spiritual blindness and our only remedy, Jesus Christ!

Passages we’ll review:
Isaiah 42:1, 6-7; Matthew 5:14-16

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

READ

Read Isaiah 42:1
Think back to our opening question about your childhood dream job. Of all the jobs you could have chosen, Servant was likely not one of them! However, in verse 1 we see the reference to “my servant.”

How can we tell that this “servant” refers to Jesus?

In the video, Michael used the word “Behold” in verse 1. We don’t use this as much in today’s language. What are other words that we use instead?

What can we “behold” in our daily lives that competes with Him?

Jesus was not the powerful king or military figure that many expected. Instead, He came bringing gentleness, encouragement, justice and truth to a lost and dying world. Instead of simply defeating or destroying those who were against Him, He exhibited patience and mercy. —Editor’s Note

How does this carry over to our lives and purposes today?

Read Isaiah 42:6-7

How does Jesus fulfill the character and the calling of the Servant of God?

Which of the promises in verses 6 and 7 stand out most to you? Why?

Why do so many people respond to Christ with the same skepticism of the Pharisees?

In the darkness of the world around us, we can be blinded to the root cause of our separation from God. Only by His Light can we have our eyes opened to expose the real problem: Sin. In us. We cannot free ourselves from the bondage of sin; only Jesus can! —Editor’s Note

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Matthew 5:14-16
How is God’s calling on our lives the same as His calling for Jesus?

As servants of Christ, what should be our ultimate goal? How can we accomplish it?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Isaiah spoke these words to a people who were broken, sinful and in dire need of hope and rescue. They needed deliverance from their bondage. God’s response was given to encourage them. What does this passage awaken in your heart today?

2. What is your greatest longing in life? Do you see your unique fit in God’s big picture? If not, spend time allowing Him to open your eyes to His plan and purpose for you in the world around you. True fulfillment only comes from Him!

3. What is the darkest relational sphere in yourlife currently: family, friendships, work, or neighborhood? How can you bring the brightest light to shine in this darkest area?

Just as Jesus provided sight for the man born blind and light to those in darkness, He can fill us with purpose and hope for our lives. We can be encouraged by this:
For God, who said,“Light shall shine out of darkness” - He has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)