Overview 
Text: Isaiah 40:1-11

Title: An Unexpected King in the Wilderness

Outline

I.       Comfort and Redemption (vv. 1-2)

II.      A Prepared Way (vv. 3-5)

III.     Enduring Words (vv. 6-8)

IV.     A Shepherd’s Heart (vv. 9-11)

Personal Reflection & Small Group Questions

1. Like the nation of Judah, we tend to replace God and put our trust in earthly things. In what other things do you put your trust and hope? What things prevent you from trusting God wholeheartedly?
2. Place yourself in the community of exiles in Babylon. What thoughts and emotions would you have in response to Isaiah’s prophecy?
3. What wilderness experience has God brought you through? What did you learn? How has your faith in God been strengthened through this experience? How do you live differently now, because of that experience? Looking back, was there evidence of God’s grace in the form of a warning? Did you heed that warning?
4. How are you preparing the way for the return of our King? List several practical ways and include at least one that you would like to focus on this Advent.
5. Challenge: Read the last 27 chapters of Isaiah. Focus on Christ and the promises of God.