Introduction:
How to Prepare to Know Jesus:
- Your heart must be Ready . (John 1:19-24)
Isaiah 40:3 - A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
- Your heart must Exalt . (John 1:25-28)
- Your heart must Receive what He gives. (John 1:29-34)
Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Small Group Discussion
Read John 1:19-34
What was your biggest “take-away” from this passage / message?
Explain John the Baptist’s mission. What was He telling to do concerning the coming Christ (John 1:23, see Isaiah 40:3)? How was baptism a way people were preparing themselves?
How is “exalting Christ” a motivator to “knowing Christ”?
How would you reply if someone asked you, “How can I grow in exalting Christ in my own life?”
Read John 1:29. What is the significance of “taking away” sin?
*Bonus: John the Baptist got the greatest compliment in the history of everything - Matthew 11:11. What do you think it was about John that made Jesus say this?
BREAKOUT
Pray for one another. Each of you list an “obstacle” that needs cleared from your heart to “make straight the way of the Lord”.