Discuss the story in small groups using the following questions. {10–15 minutes}
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Did Ezekiel give good or bad news, or both, to Israel? Since Israel was in exile, far from home, why did they need to hear good news? How would the good news encourage them?
Takeaway
Ezekiel told Israel they were in exile because of their sin, but he promised God would bless them and bring them safely home.
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Can you take a pile of dust and create a person? How did God create Adam and Eve? How did God make the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision come to life? What does that tell us about God?
Takeaway
The dry bones came to life because God’s word has power to create and his Spirit gives life.
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When God says that we are “dead in our sin,” what do you think he means? If we can’t live in a way that pleases God without his help, what should we do? How does God help us live for him?
Takeaway
We are spiritually dead because of our sin, like Israel, and we need God’s word and Spirit to make us alive.
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When God promised that he would bring Israel back to the land, how did he describe the king that would rule over them? Who is the forever King? How does this picture of dead bones rising from the grave remind you of Jesus? How does it remind you of what Jesus does for you when you follow him?
Takeaway
Jesus is the promised King, who saves us from our sin, gives us new life, and brings us safely home.
