To get started this week, watch this video: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
SHARE
Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.
READ
Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
TALK
What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? Has God ever “disappointed” you? Has Jesus ever seen “too far way” that you were uncertain of His presence or even meaning in your life? For the earliest disciples, this was a real concern because Jesus DID NOT MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS. Still, think of a time when your expectations were not met, but it turned out to be better than you could have imagined? This is like God. God takes us beyond our expectations and offers some better!
PRAY
Special prayer requests: Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.
BLESS
Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.