A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU

Luke 2:1-20

Key Verse: 2:11

* THE WORLD NEEDS A SAVIOR (1-7)

1. What was the political situation in the world at the time of Jesus' birth? In verses 1-3, what reveals the absolute authority of Caesar?

2. Put yourself in the place of an ordinary Israelite living in those times. What would it be like to live in a colony under the power of Rome? Do you know what Rome's slogan, "Pax Romana" means?

3. What was Mary's condition as she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem? Why did they make such a long journey? What does this reveal about the Roman society and about them?

4. Read verse 7. Who was the son born to Mary? Where was he born? Why was he born in such sub-human conditions? What does this tell us about men's hearts at that time? What does it teach us about our God?

* THE SAVIOR JESUS IS THE PROMISED MESSIAH (8-14)

5. To whom did God send the angels with the first announcement of the birth of the Savior? Why? What were they doing at the time? What was their first response?

6. Read verses 10,11. For whom is this good news? Why? What is the good news?

7. Think about how Jesus' birth fulfills God's promises. What does it mean that he was born in the town of David? (Mi.5:2) That he is called a Savior? (Ge.3:15; 12:3b; Ga1.3:8) '

* OUR SAVIOR SAVES US FROM OUR SINS

8. What does "Christ the Lord" mean? (11; Rom.10:9,10) See also the following verses and think about what they teach us about Jesus, our Savior and King: Luke 1:68,69; 74,75.

* THE BABY JESUS IS CHRIST THE LORD

9. Look at verse 12. What is the sign the angel gave the shepherds? Who is the baby in the manger? (1:32,33) What is the implicit contrast here between the baby Jesus and Caesar Augustus? Why is the baby in the manger called a sign? What does this teach us about God's way of working?

10. Look at verse 13 and 14. What does the angel chorus teach us about Jesus and his kingdom? (See also Isa.9:6,7; 11:3,4a; 6-9)