God With UsSample

WHERE WE ARE GOING While many of us have a general understanding of the Christmas story, it can be easy to overlook the magnitude of what took place in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. The Son of God, who has been ruling and reigning since before the beginning of time, demonstrates radical humility through placing Himself at the level of man, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14: “...Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [translated God with us]”. In the “God With Us” Bible study, we will walk through Luke 2:1-38 and take a closer look at three key components of the Christmas story: 1) The Arrival: Luke 2:1-7 2) The Announcement: Luke 2:8-21 3) The Assignment: Luke 2:22-38 Prayerfully, through this study, we will develop a deeper understanding that Immanuel not only came to us, but He is still with us as we navigate this broken world! GOD WITH US: THE ARRIVAL A Return Home As the result of a Roman decree, Joseph and Mary are required to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (the city of David) at the peak of Mary’s pregnancy. As this young couple returns to the homeland of Joseph’s ancestors, the Son of God is preparing to leave His home in heaven to redeem our broken world! A Lack Of Room Curiously, God’s sovereignty does not allow for a comfortable space where Mary can deliver her child. For the remainder of His life on earth, Jesus continually finds Himself in environments of rejection and indifference. An Unremarkable Birth In a city far from home, with nothing but a manger (feeding trough) to lay her child in, Mary delivers the Savior of the world. From His birth in Bethlehem to His crucifixion at Golgotha, the King of Kings chooses to live the life of a lowly servant. Big Idea Jesus’ arrival is marked by a return home, a lack of room, and an unremarkable birth. From the very beginning, the Son of God has defied our expectations! LET’S THINK ABOUT THIS Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Luke 2:1-7? Question #2: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (the city of David) fulfills what is written in Micah 5:2. Why is it important to understand that Jesus’ birth is a fulfillment of prophecy? Question #3: Which aspect of Jesus’ arrival (the return home, the lack of room, and the unremarkable birth) resonated the most with you?