Good News for Those

Good News for those Who Could Never Make the News

By Richard Smith

12-15-24

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of ways you were able to “fix your eyes on Jesus” in your daily life this past week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Luke 2:4-11 and discuss what surprised you or stood out about the text and/or sermon.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. How does the idea of God choosing shepherds – social, religious, and moral outcasts – to receive the news of Christ’s birth challenge our assumptions about who God values and includes in His plan?

4. In what ways does the imagery of God as a shepherd inform our understanding of His character and His desire to care for us personally?

5. In what ways does the concept of ‘the shepherd becoming the sheep’ deepen our understanding of Christ’s sacrificial role and purpose?

6. How can we reconcile the joyous announcement of Christ’s birth with Simeon’s prophecy about a sword piercing Mary’s soul?

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

7. How can we cultivate a sense of ‘great joy’ in our faith, as proclaimed by the angels, especially during times of difficulty or spiritual dryness?

8. Identify someone in your life who might feel like an outcast. Make a plan to reach out to them this week to share the message of God’s inclusive love during the Christmas season.