By Dan Lentz

1. People build physical bridges over rivers and gorges as a way to get over an obstacle. If you could build a metaphorical bridge over a social or relational obstacle, what would it be and why? (Example: I would build a bridge to solve world hunger because I’ve visited a third world country and have seen the suffering firsthand.)

Read Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21.

2. Jesus shocked most of his listeners when he said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” From the verses you read, what was Jesus fulfilling? What was Jesus accomplishing in coming to earth, according to the Isaiah verses?

3. In what ways do you see Jesus continuing to fulfill this prophecy today through the church? How is your small group playing a part in the fulfillment of this prophecy? How can you do more?

4. Take some time to discuss a service project the group can do together. Perhaps it relates to one of the bridges someone in the group wanted to build in your earlier discussion. Decide on a service opportunity your group can do together, and make plans for carrying it out soon.

5. Pray for the Lord to be active in every aspect of your service, and pray that you serve others with the love of Christ.

Dan Lentz works for the Small Group Network in Whitestown, Indiana.

For more small group ministry resources, visit www.smallgroups.com.