John 1:6-8 19-28

1. ‘There is one among you whom you do not know'. We can know about Jesus but do we know him. What helps you to know Jesus in a way that enables you to follow in his footsteps, trusting God as he did, and seeing other people as he did?

2. John the Baptist came to bear witness to Jesus. Who have been the people who have borne witness to you of the good news of the gospel that God loves you - a friend, a parent, a teacher, etc.? To whom have you borne that witness?

3. John appears in the story as one who had the courage to be himself in the face of loud and aggressive people. He was also a person who knew his own value, did not make exaggerated claims and was content with his mission. Can you recall times when you have been able to be yourself, even in the face of criticism from others?

4. John was ‘the voice of one crying out in the wilderness' - announcing confidently to those in the wilderness that they must not despair because God's grace may come to them at any moment. Have you had the experience of being in the wilderness, feeling lost? From whom did you hear a voice that gave you hope? Have you been able to give hope to other people when they were in the wilderness? Do these questions have any special relevance to you in the midst of the current situation in our country?