In a very well-known scene from Luke 4, Jesus returned to his hometown synagogue on the Sabbath. When he stood to read, verse 17 says, “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.”

Literally, that scroll was probably made of some thin leather with ancient words scribed onto its surface. But figuratively, that scroll was like a stick of dynamite, blowing up the false facades of the people of Nazareth with a startling and beautiful vision of God’s heart for the world.

And now, as we take up the “scroll” (or book) of Isaiah in the coming weeks at Grace, I wonder again what it is that we will be handling. I expect it may blow up some of our own false facades and lay bare some uncomfortable truth. But I also believe that the prophet’s inspiration will awaken our imaginations afresh with creativity and hope. We will begin with Isaiah’s first 36 verses—verses that have challenged God’s people since they were written but also inspire us to imagine a world where every nation walks not in warfare but in the ways of God.

DOWNLOADS

See It Be It Video Audio Notes (download pdf) Notes (digital) iTunes

SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: Isaiah: Imagi-Nations // Scripture: Isaiah 1:1 – 2:5

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
In a very well-known scene from Luke 4, Jesus returned to His hometown synagogue on the Sabbath. He stood to read verse 17; it says, “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.” Literally, that scroll was probably made of some thin leather with ancient words scribed onto its surface. But figuratively, the scroll was like a stick of dynamite, blowing up the false facades of the people of Nazareth with a startling and beautiful vision of God’s heart for the world. We begin with Isaiah’s first 36 verses—verses that have challenged God’s people since they were written. However, they’ve also inspire us to imagine a world where every nation walks not in warfare but in the ways of God.

THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
Transformation requires imagination.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture (What is the story saying?): Is God only looking for sacrifices of animals? Are people obeying God? Who is God offering peace and restoration to? Do people believe the right thing? What have they done with the information God has given them to follow?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): If the scroll of Isaiah is like a stick of dynamite what were some ideas that were “blown up”? If it’s like a paintbrush, as well, what are some pictures he paints of the future? What is your picture of the good life? What seems to be more important thinking, believing or loving?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): What do your affections have to do with the focus of your direction? What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first? If God isn’t mainly looking for sacrifices, what kind of worship is He looking for?

BE IT – Practice Which of these areas is God speaking to you about this week?
Change UP // Information
A prophet like Isaiah brings challenge and invitation. Where is the information from God through Isaiah challenging you? Where is God inviting you? Sometimes a musician picks up a different instrument and is inspired by the color of the sound. Try reading Isaiah in a different translation this week or you could read the passage from The Message.

Change IN // Imagination
ho are you talking with about what you are learning from God? This week get together with two or three family members and read the Bible together using the text from the first chapter of Isaiah or a chapter of one of the Gospels. Read through it slowly one time and pay attention to the words and phrases that stand out. Ask God to draw your imagination to the truth He has for you in the passage and read through it again slowly underlining phrases or circling words. Ask God to speak to you about how He wants you to respond to truth and read through once more. Write down what you hear God saying and ask those who are willing to share with your group.

Change OUT // Transformation
Isaiah shares God’s heart for seeing sincere transformation for all people and not just the seemingly religious. Who do you know that is open to friendship you may not have considered befriending? What is one friendly thing you could do for them or with them this week? What good news does the gospel bring for your neighbor? For someone in the generation behind you? For someone who is from a different ethnic culture than you? Share good news in a way God has equipped you to help bring transformation.

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.