Small Group Discussion Week 4

Week 04 – Mary and Joseph’s Crash Course in Theology

Transition:

This year our Christmas series is called Dwell. The premise is that God came to dwell with us so that we (His children) could dwell with Him. Each message will be predicated on the word dwell (although the meaning will be used in various ways). Last week, we covered two responses to the news that the Messiah had been born (Herod and the religious elites’ vs. the wise men’s), and the contrast could not be more stark. Oddly, those who should have enthusiastically received Him (His own people) rejected Him, while others who had no part in Israel worshiped Him.

Context:

This week, we covered Mary and Joseph’s stories. With the coming of the Son of God to earth as a human, Mary and Joseph were thrust into a unique situation that was completely unexpected and incredibly challenging. Yet they persevered through the challenges by utterly relying on God’s word to them, and by joining together as one.

Opening Questions:

• If you have one, share a story of a time when you wrestled with God about doing something difficult (that He was compelling you to do). Describe the process you went through in making your decision. How did it turn out?

• What are some reasons why God might lead His children into a difficult/challenging situation?

Scripture/Storying: Luke 1:26-56

Discipleship Questions:

• Do your best to describe the feelings you think Mary had the moment she saw Gabriel and heard what he proclaimed to her. Have you been in a situation where God has challenged you to believe or do something extravagant/out of the norm/out of your comfort zone? If so, share the story.

• In what ways did Gabriel describe Jesus? If you were Mary, what would be going through your mind? In what ways has your own spiritual maturity/understanding of God grown this past year?

• Mary was a virgin when Gabriel visited her. Why is Mary’s virginity critical?

• What happens when Mary visits Elizabeth? What impact do you think Elizabeth had on Mary? Think of that earlier challenge that was discussed...did someone encourage you in/through it? What can you do to encourage someone else who may be facing a tough time?

• Read 1 Samuel 1:1—2:10. How does Hannah’s story relate to Mary’s? How is Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:1- 10) similar to but also different from Mary’s song (Luke 1:46-55)?

• What have you learned from this week’s Bible passage and discussion? How will it affect the way you live?

Prayer time:

This week we are praying for the churches that Providence has planted over the years. Please pray that this Christmas/New Year season God will provide many gospel opportunities for each one’s community to encourage people to receive Christ, and for those that know Him, to mature in Him spiritually.