The Wonder of Christmas Part 2

TALK-IT-OUT

Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group. Encourage your group to pull this post up on their own device to follow along.

Main Scripture: Luke 2:8-16 (ESV) 
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Opening Question: What stands out to you about this event in scripture? OR what questions do you have about this scripture?

Introduction to the Book of Luke: The book of Luke is part one of a two part work that concludes with the Book of Acts. Luke, a physician, did not actually witness Jesus' life firsthand but rather used sources like letters, speeches, songs, travel accounts, trial transcripts, biographical anecdotes.addresses, and personal interviews to make what he called in the first chapter an "orderly account," which he wrote after he "carefully investigated everything from the beginning." He addressed the account to Theophilus, most likely a Roman official. In the book of Luke we learn about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the invitations he gave to follow and have faith in Him. In the book of Acts we see the outworkings of that faith as the early church, led by the original disciples and the Apostle Paul, make every effort to proclaim the good news about Jesus to all people, which culminates with the Apostle Paul making proclamations to the center of civilization in Rome. To read more click HERE.

TALK-IT-OUT: What are you in wonder over when it comes to the birth and life of Jesus?

Scripture Context: This account shows a different side of the rural anonymity and humility of Jesus' birth. Jesus' birth is recorded in two places in scripture. The account in Matthew shows the private interaction between God and Mary as well as God and Joseph in a small rural town that had very little wealth or prestige. The account here in Luke shows the proclamation of Jesus' birth to lowly shepherds in a field and the extravagant praise that follows from heavenly hosts. The location of Jesus' birth was significant. The town, Bethlehem, in the Greek literally means "city of David," and fulfills a prophecy from Micah 5:1-2,. The manger he was born in, most likely an animal feeding trough, is also significant because it once again demonstrates the humility that Jesus continued to personify throughout his time on earth.  

TALK-IT-OUT: What do you think you can learn about God by the fact of his humble beginnings being born in a manger in Bethlehem?

POINT 1: GOD CAME DOWN.

POINT 2: SINNERS ARE SAVED. 

POINT 3:  HURTS ARE HEALED.

Luke 4:18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Scripture Context: Jesus began His earthly ministry around the age of 30 after he was baptized. Immediately after his baptism he went to the wilderness for 40 days where he was tempted by the Devil. He then taught in the synagogues throughout Galilee. When he returned to his hometown of Nazareth he entered into the temple on the Sabbath day, which was his custom, and read this scroll which can be found in Isaiah 61. After reading it Jesus said that the scripture was fulfilled on that day by Him reading it. Some were amazed and wanted to know more from Him. However, the religious elite were appauled and drove him out of town and conspired to kill Him but Jesus escaped and continued to teach and perform miracles throughout the region. 

TALK-IT-OUT: What was Jesus' mission here on earth?

TALK-IT-OUT: Have you ever been rejected by people that you thought would accept you?

TALK-IT-OUT: What can you take from this story of what happened to Jesus and apply to your life?