In Luke 2:1-21, Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph in David’s town of Bethlehem. He is a Savior, shining forth God’s glory in the darkness of the world and bringing good news to everyone.
SERMON OUTLINE
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
The Political Climate (Luke 2:1-3)
The Struggles of Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:4-7)
The Savior Announced (Luke 2:8-14)
The Savior Proclaimed (Luke 2:15-21)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This week we continue our “Beginnings” series from the Gospel of Luke by looking at Luke 2:1-21. Ask God to speak to you and then, whether you are with a group or on your own, read that passage aloud.
- Luke 2 is the most read story of the birth of Jesus. Why do you think this scripture is often read in favor of the Matthew 1-2 passage?
- Imagine that you are either Mary or Joseph and that God has revealed to you are to be the parents of His son. Then in a difficult political climate you have to travel 100 miles to Bethlehem and when you arrive there is no room for you. How are you feeling about the situation? How would you feel about yourself? Might you harbor some level of disappointment toward God? Discuss.
- One of the noticeable elements missing from this narrative is complaining. There are political and life situations that provide plenty of opportunity from Joseph and Mary to complain. How might this young couple have stayed free from adopting a complaining spirit? How might we be able to learn from them?
- In verse 10, the angel talks about “good news of great joy for all people.” Look carefully at the three ways Jesus is described in verse 11. What are they? (Savior, Messiah [or Christ], Lord.) What would each of these have meant for poor Jewish shepherds under Roman occupation in the first century? Take time to discuss what each description means to us today.
- Why do you think God might have chosen shepherds to be the first visitors to Jesus? What does it say that the very first witnesses and evangelists of the good news of Jesus were these shepherds?
- How might God be calling your group, you as an individual, and Eastbrook as a church to deliver the good news of the Savior today?
- Take time and pray for one another. Pray for our city, our country, and world.