The Heart of Discipleship · Complete Questions
Isaiah 50:4–9 Bible Study Questions
The best teacher is the best learner. Through Jesus’ example in the third Servant Song, we can see five traits of a good disciple.
A Disciple Is a Learner (Isaiah 50:4a)
“The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples.”
- How eager are you to learn?
- Has pride settled in your heart? Christ learned each day.
- What proof do you have to show that you are still eager to learn?
The Purpose of the Disciple (Isaiah 50:4b)
“The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.”
- What motivates you to learn? Is it a good position, a wife, money, status, or image?
- Is it possible that you just want people to esteem you?
- Who has the Lord laid on your heart to reach?
- What do you need to reach out to these people effectively?
- Ask the Lord to equip and train you properly.
- Why is it that the typical ministerial school is inadequate?
A Disciple Communes with God Early Each Day (Isaiah 50:4c)
“He awakens Me morning by morning.”
- Has He ever awakened you? How did you respond?
- Are your late hours focused on Him or yourself? What changes can you make?
- What do you expect to happen during your morning devotions?
- How regular is your time with the Lord? It needs to be each morning.
- How close is your relationship to God, your Father?
A Disciple Attentively Listens to and Obeys God (Isaiah 50:4d)
“He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.”
- What is the difference between hearing and listening?
- Do you hear God? Do you listen?
- How does this verse show us how Christ listened to His Father?
- What do you do if you do not like what the Father asks you to do?
- How important is it for you to meet God and do His will each day?
- How do you know this?
A Disciple Withstands Difficulties to Please His Master (Isaiah 50:5–9)
“The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient, Nor did I turn back. (6) I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. (7) For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I shall not be ashamed. (8) He who vindicates Me is near; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand up to each other; Who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me. (9) Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me; Who is he who condemns Me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; The moth will eat them.” (Isaiah 50:5–9)
- What did the Lord do to His ear (50:5)? What does this mean?
- What is the difference between awakening (4) and opening an ear (5)?
- What was the effect of this in the Servant’s life (5)?
- How committed are you to doing God’s will no matter where, what, or when?
- What are the three things He says He does in verse 6?
- Why does He say He does it rather than His enemies doing it to Him?
- In verse 7, it says God helps Him. How does God help Him when suffering pain?
- How do you handle pain and suffering (7)? Do you blame God or trust Him?
- What were His attitudes toward those who mistreated Him (8–9)? How do you know?
- Do you always forgive everyone? Why or why not?
- Why should you forgive others?
- How do all of these verses (50:4–9), featuring the example of Christ, give you extra motivation to faithfully follow and become more like Christ?
Summary Discussion Questions
- What makes it difficult to become a lifelong learner?
- Do you usually connect your training, experience, and spiritual knowledge to your needs or to helping others in need?
- How often do you commune with the Lord? What might help make it more effective?