The hope of Israel and the World is the Messiah. God gave promises in His Word about a coming world that would be God-centered, truth-loving, and justice-respecting, filled with peace and victory. That coming day is completely wrapped up in and dependent upon one Person. That hope is only found in the living God, and He executes that hope and accomplishes it through His Son. Israel’s hope is our hope...the hope of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 17:13 - O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who turn away from you will be disgraced. They will be buried in the dust of the earth, for they have abandoned the Lord, the fountain of living water.
READ:
Micah 5:1-6 • Hebrews 11:32-34 • 1 Corinthians 1:27 • John 10:14 • Deuteronomy 33:12 • John 14:27 • Jeremiah 26:17-19 • Luke 2:1-7 • Matthew 2:1-6
• Micah 5:1 points forward to which king? What problem will Israel face in that day? What will happen to the
king/ruler?
• Why is Bethlehem referred to as “too little to be among the clans of Judah” (v. 2)? What was the one
thing that was significant about Bethlehem? Why is it important that this ruler come from Bethlehem? How
is this ruler different from the human rulers you studied in chapter 3?
• Verses 2-5a describes a future rescuer of Israel. List everything that these verses reveal about this rescuer.
• Who is the “woman in labor” in verse 3? What is the only thing that will relieve her pain?
• Jesus called himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:14). What does Micah 5:1-5 reveal about what He meant
by this?
• In verses 5-6, what does Micah promise will happen in the short term (See also Jeremiah 26:17-19)? In the
long term, what does Micah promise that the shepherd-rescuer will do with his people?
• What enemy is described in 5:5-6? Assyria is used to represent what? Who/What will eventually rise to
protect Israel? Describe the role of a shepherd? Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd? How do find true
peace/rest in the Good Shepherd?
DISCUSS:
• What do most of your neighbors, relatives, classmates or coworkers see as the best hope for solving the
world’s problems. Why is Christ our ultimate source of hope in the life?
• What peace would you experience if you knew that God had already overcome all your life struggles?
How can you live today in that peace?
• Do you tend to see Christ as humble and week, or as powerful and strong? What difference does this
make to your life when you sin...when things go wrong...when you need help?
PRAY:
Pray that Christ will always be your source of hope and peace even when the world seems out of control.
RESPOND:
Based on Psalm 23, list the ways Jesus cares for you like a Good Shepherd.