This Week

GATHERING TOGETHER

Welcome one another, catch up with one another, and share personal stories to encourage, strengthen, and support at a time of isolation and discouragement.

REVIEW QUESTION

Thinking back to last week’s example of Joseph of Nazareth, where were you prompted to “ordinary” faithfulness in your own life?

IN THE BOOK

Below there are three different types of questions, so we encourage you to seek a balance if possible. In addition, there is a Leader Study Notes section for further study!

1. The Understanding questions are designed to refresh your group's memory about the text. These can be answered fairly briefly without a need for longer discussion.

2. Application questions are structured to draw out the ways the text, as preached, calls us to live. You should make a strong effort in your group to point people to Scripture as they’re discussing these.

3. We’ve built out Personal Sharing questions that connect with the sermon, but make a more conscious effort to allow the members of your group to know each other better. These help to build a sense of trust by giving people a chance to share their lived experiences.

We pray that as you consider which of these questions work best for your group that God blesses your time together so that the Word of Christ “dwells in you more richly” and you become “knit together in love” as a community.

Mary & Joseph Bring Jesus to the Temple

READ: Luke 2:22-24

UNDERSTANDING:

v. 23-24 — What is the significance of the offering Mary & Joseph brought (two young pigeons) in relation to the custom of the time?

APPLICATION:

Jesus’ parents brought what they had for the sacrifice to dedicate Jesus. What does this tell us about how God calls us to engage with Him?

PERSONAL SHARING:

Jesus chose to identify with the poor rather than the rich. In your life, where have you entered into the struggles of the poor or been prompted to?

Simeon Praises God

READ: Luke 2:25-32

UNDERSTANDING:

v. 28 — Why did Simeon bless God at this moment?

v. 31-32 — What two groups of people does Simeon proclaim Jesus has come for?

APPLICATION:

When Simeon sees the manifestation of God’s promise he grabs Jesus and breaks out into song (v. 29-32). What does it look like to wait in anticipation for God’s promises like in the example of Simeon?

PERSONAL SHARING:

Pastor Joe clarified that “waiting does not equate to wrongdoing. Waiting is an appointed part of the Christian life.” Have you ever had an experience where this became clear to you?

“When you know what you’re waiting for it shapes your life.” How has knowing that meeting Christ is where we’re headed shaped your choices in life?

Simeon Prophesies Jesus' Sacrifice

READ: Luke 2:33-35

UNDERSTANDING:

v. 34-35 — What is Simeon referring to in his prophecy?

APPLICATION:

What do you think the purpose is of Simeon sharing Jesus’ future with Mary and Joseph, even as it’s clear he won’t live to see it?

PERSONAL SHARING:

Simeon’s prophesy reminds us there is a second coming. Christ will restore all things and waiting will come to an end. What are some things in life you await the end of?

Jesus brings light to what is dark in us. How has this challenged you in your own life? When has this led to joy?