Describe Nebuchadnezzar’s journey in the book of Daniel so far.  What are we to make of him, and his heart posture before the Lord?  Why?

Why do you think that Nebuchadnezzar wants everyone to worship the golden image that he has made?  (3:1-6)

How do all of the political leaders respond to Nebuchadnezzar’s mandate?  Why do you think that they respond in this way?  (3:7)

Why do you think that the Chaldeans go out of their way to tell King Nebuchadnezzar about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?  What do you think is their motivation?  (3:8-12)

How does Nebuchadnezzar respond when he is made aware that these three Hebrew men are resisting his mandate?  Why do you think he responds in this way?  (3:13-15)

How do Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the king?  What does their response say about their faith, and their priorities?  (3:16-18)

Who does King Nebuchadnezzar see in the fiery furnace?  (3:19-25)  Who is the fourth person?  What does his presence in the fiery furnace teach us about God’s relationship to his people?  (See also Isaiah 43:1-2.)

Daniels makes a point to note that their hair was not singed, and their cloaks were not harmed, and that they did not even smell like smoke.  What does this teach us about God’s ability to protect and care for his people?  (3:26-27)

What similarities do you see between the ending of Daniel 2 and Daniel 3?  What common themes do they share?  What do you think this is intended to teach us about the sovereignty and faithfulness of God?  (3:28-30, 2:46-49)

What does this passage teach us about sin?

How does this passage exhort us to respond in the face of suffering and persecution?

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