Before the Session
Facilitator: In advance of the session
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)
Intro
Introduce today’s session by asking a question like this:
- When God calls us to serve, do you think God desires faithfulness or results… or both? Explain your answer.
Read aloud today’s focal passage, Ezekiel 2:1-3:11, and watch the Bible Background Video.
Then, use the following questions to guide discussion.
Examine the Passage
- What does God call Ezekiel throughout the passage (see for example 2:1,3,6), and what significance does this title have?
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Under whose power does Ezekiel stand (2:2), and what might this signify?
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How does God describe the Israelite people in verses 2:3-5 and 3:8-9? What emotions does God seem to express toward these people, and why?
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God says Ezekiel should not fear retribution from the people (2:6-7). Why?
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How has Ezekiel proven that he is different from the people of Israel (2:8)?
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Discuss the significance of Ezekiel’s vision (2:9-3:3) – what was on the scroll, and how did it taste? Would you expect the scroll to taste sweet? What could this symbolize?
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Why might it have been easier for Ezekiel to go to people other than his own people (3:4-7)?
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What do you think it means that God will make Ezekiel hard like the people (3:8-9)?
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God repeatedly predicts the people will not listen or respond to the message – what then is the point of sending Ezekiel?
Engage the Message
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God commands Ezekiel to proclaim, no matter the response – in what way are we called to do the same?
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Discuss the difference between faithfulness and results. Why do we (as Americans and/or Westerners) place so much emphasis on results… and what does this passage remind us about our obedience to God?
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Does this mean we should not care about the response?
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How might Ezekiel’s vision in 2:9-3:3, speak to the way we receive and proclaim God’s word?
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What do you make of God’s seeming resignation with the people’s rebellion? Does this mean God has no hope for them?
Reflect
- To what act of faithfulness is God calling me today?
- In whose hands is the outcome?
Closing
Close this session with a prayer asking God to give us the strength to be faithful followers, even when the task seems difficult or futile.