Promise (discussion questions)

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message, “Promise,” from this past weekend at Eastbrook Church. This is the first part of our series, “Beginnings.” The text for this week is Luke 1:1-25.

Discussion Questions:

1. When did you experience a great moment of hope in your life?
2. This week we begin a journey with the Gospel of Luke with the first part in a series entitled “Beginnings.” Pray that God would speak to you and then, whether you are with a group or on your own, read Luke 1:1-25 aloud.
3. Background: The Gospel of Luke is, with Acts, the first of a two-part work written by Luke, an early Christian and a physician. The Gospel of Luke was likely written around 70 or 80 and focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus, moving from Galilee to Jerusalem.
4. Based on what we read in verses 1-4, what is Luke’s purpose in writing the Gospel? You may want to compare this to Acts 1:1-2.
5. Zechariah is of the priestly line and has been selected to serve in the temple during either the morning or evening sacrifice (vss 5-10). An angel appears and brings a message to him about the promise an unexpected child. What are the specific features of this child’s identity, role, and activity from verses 11-17?
6. In verses 18-20, how does Zechariah respond and what is the angel Gabriel’s response to Zechariah’s words?
7. When Zechariah returns home after his service, he shares the message with his wife, Elizabeth, who does become pregnant (vss 23-25).
8. What do you think about Zechariah’s response and Elizabeth’s response? Which one of them do you relate to more given their circumstances?
9. What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.

Daily Reading Plan

To encourage us together in our growth with God, we are arranging a weekday reading plan through this entire series with the Gospel of Luke. As you read each day, ask God to speak to you from His word.

Follow along with the reading plan below, through the Eastbrook app, or on social media.

• Monday, Oct 17          Luke 1:1-4; Amos 8:11-12
• Tuesday, Oct 18           Luke 1:5-7; 1 Samuel 1:1-11
• Wednesday, Oct 19     Luke 1:8-17; Malachi 4:1-6
• Thursday, Oct 20         Luke 1:18-25; Genesis 18:1-15,
• Friday, Oct 21              Genesis 17:15-19; 21:1-6