Grasshoppers, Greatness, and God's KingdomSample

Prenatal Purpose

John the Baptist laid the foundations for the ministry of Jesus, but the foundations of John’s ministry are found in the faithfulness of his family. John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were “righteous in the sight of God,” but it’s very possible that they felt forgotten and hidden from the sight of God as they remained childless in their old age. But God shows his favor toward these two faithful Israelites who may have felt forgotten. He promises to bless them with a child who is to be named John, and he assures them that this child will be “great in the sight of the Lord.” This “great” man’s life originates from a faithful family, favored and empowered by the Father. In the same way, if we want to be great or witness great things in God’s kingdom, it’s our job to be faithful and it’s our heavenly Father’s job to supply the power. Great things happen in God’s kingdom when faithful people meet the Father’s power.

Reflection:

• How have unmet expectations or suffering made you question the way God feels about you? (Verses 6-7)
• How do you think greatness in God’s eyes differs from greatness in the world’s eyes? (Verse 15)
• What is something specific in your life that you need to give God credit for? (Verse 25)