Who is Jephthah and why would the writer of Hebrews mention him as a person of faith? Here is a story of how the Lord can use the unlikely.
This video is designed to be used in small groups. When you have gathered your group, start in prayer.
Icebreaker: If you were in trouble, who would you call?
Watch the video and try to retell the story from what you heard. Then read the text, Judges 11:1-39. Use the questions below to spark some conversation.
Head Questions: get the facts straight
What is Jephthah’s position in his family of origin?
Where does Jephthah go and what does he do after his half-brothers kick him out?
How does he become leader of Gilead?
What rash vow does Jephthah make before he goes to battle against the Ammonites?
What happens as a result of Jephthah’s vow?
How do the Jews from the tribe of Ephraim react?
What is the result of the battle?
Heart Questions: dig deeper
What bothers you about this story?
What do you like about it?
How do you see God using the fact that Jephthah was a social outcast for the good? What painful times in your life has God used to train you for future tasks?
Do you think Jephthah really believed the elders proposition when they wanted him back? Explain.
Where else in the Bible do we see some who is rejected become the leader?
Why do you think Jephthah made such a harsh vow before the battle? Do you think he meant to do a human sacrifice when God forbid it? Why or why not.
What kind of character do you see in Jephthah’s daughter?
Why do you suppose that Jephthah was included in Hebrews 11? Where do you see commendable faith in Jephthah?
Where do you see Jephthah fail? How does the fact that he was commended for faith help you in your struggle of faith?
What did Jephthah have to give up? Where do you need to grow in faith like Jephthah?
What do we learn about God in this story? About humankind?
Hands questions: - application
How can you apply this story to your faith life?
What did you learn that will help you on your walk with Jesus?
What was the theme for today?
More Resources:
Podcast: podpoint.com/l...
Blog: Seven coordinating blogs begin here: lightofchristj...
Webpage: www.lightofchr...
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