Advent - Love, Mary
December 19, 2024 • Kevin Maloney
Sermon Discussion Questions:
1) Mary responded to the angel's message with, "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). What does this teach us about submission to God’s will, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances? How can we cultivate a similar attitude of faithfulness in our lives?
2) Mary demonstrated a deep contentment in God’s plan for her, even knowing it would bring challenges. How do we learn contentment like that?
3) Mary’s song begins with, "My soul magnifies the Lord" (Luke 1:46). How can our lives act as telescopes, magnifying God’s greatness to others? What practical ways can we focus on glorifying God in our daily lives?
4) Mary’s song reflects a deep knowledge of Scripture, weaving in references from multiple Old Testament books. How does familiarity with the Bible equip us to navigate life’s challenges and remain faithful to God? How can we make Scripture more central in our lives?
5) Mary’s life shows that being "blessed" doesn’t necessarily mean living comfortably or avoiding hardship. How does her example challenge our culture’s understanding of happiness and blessedness?
6) Mary rejoiced in "God my Savior" (Luke 1:47), acknowledging her need for God’s mercy. How does recognizing our own need for God’s grace and mercy shape our relationship with Him and our service to others? How can this perspective prevent us from becoming prideful in our faith?
