Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

Rejoice in God's might, mercy, and memory, shown in sending Jesus.

The story: the coming of Jesus is cause for joy (vv. 39-45)

The song: our joy is fueled by what God's sending of Jesus reveals about himself (vv. 46-56)

A. Might: God has done great things to save (vv. 46-49)

B. Mercy: God shows his favor to those who fear him (no matter how low in the world's eyes) (vv. 50-53)

C. Memory: God remembers his promise to help his believing people (vv. 54-55)

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 1:39-56

Rejoice in God's might, mercy, and memory, shown in sending Jesus.

1. The story: the coming of Jesus is cause for joy (vv. 39-45)

For some of us, the Christmas season can be hard for various reasons. And yet, regardless of our circumstances, the coming of Jesus should be a cause for great joy in our hearts. How does Jesus coming to earth give you joy?

What is one step you could take this Christmas season to create time and space to reflect on how the coming of Jesus should lead to greater joy in our hearts?

Luke 1:45 says, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” In your own life, when have you seen the blessing of taking God at his Word?

2. The song: our joy is fueled by what God's sending of Jesus reveals about himself (vv. 46-56)

A. Might: God has done great things to save (vv. 46-49)

How is God’s might revealed in his sending of Jesus to earth as a baby?

Mary’s heart overflows in song to God as she marvels that God would choose her to bear the Messiah. Though not in the same way as he did with Mary, it is God’s intention to use each of us to further his kingdom purposes on earth. How have you seen God use you for his purposes in the world (be it in a big way or small)?

B. Mercy: God shows his favor to those who fear him (no matter how low in the world's eyes) (vv. 50-53)

How is God’s mercy revealed in his sending of Jesus to earth as a baby?

Why is God’s mercy for those who fear him (and implicitly not for those who don’t)?

Read vv. 51-53 again. How have you seen God do what is described here?

C. Memory: God remembers his promise to help his believing people (vv. 54-55)

In vv. 54-55 Mary said, “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his offspring forever.” How did God do this through his sending of Jesus into the world as a baby?

God sent his Son into the world on a mission (cf. Luke 19:10). How should God’s purposes in sending Jesus into the world shape our purposes as individuals, Gospel Communities, and as a local church?

Who could you share this story within the coming week?

Prayer