GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

 

Luke 2:1-14

Key Verse: 2:10– But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

 

*THE WORLD AT JESUS’ BIRTH (1-7)

 

  1. What was the political situation in the world at the time of Jesus’ birth? In verses 1-3, what does the census reveal about the authority and rule of Caesar?

 

  1. What was “Roman Peace’? What is the irony of this? Why did people living in such a world need and long for a Savior?

 

  1. Why did Mary and Joseph have to go to Bethlehem? What was Mary’s condition? What does this reveal about Rome? About God’s sovereignty?

 

  1. Read verse 7. Who was the son born to Mary? Where was he born? What does this reveal about Joseph’s powerlessness? About the hearts of people of those times? What does it teach us about the God and Father of Jesus?

 

*GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY THAT WILL BE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE (8-11)

 

  1. To whom did God send the angels with the first announcement of the birth of the Savior? Why was this appropriate? What was their first response?

 

  1. Read verses 10, 11. What is the good news? To whom is this good news given? What does it mean that he is called Savior? (Jn 1:14,29; Jn 3:16-18)

 

*  THE BABY IN THE MANGER SHOWS US GOD’S WAY OF WORK AND HISTORY (12)

 

  1. How is the baby in the manger a great contrast to Caesar on his throne? Think about both the contrast of their circumstances, and the contrast of the results of these two lives in history. (Isa 53:1 ff; Jn 10:10)

 

  1. What was the sign of God’s work? (12) Why is this a sign? Can you think of other examples that follow the principle of the “manger ministry”? What does Matthew 6:33 teach us about Jesus’ people’s lifestyle?

 

*  THE BABY IN THE MANGER IS GOD’S KIING

 

  1. What does it mean that Jesus was born in the town of David? That he is called “Christ the Lord”? (11; Lk 1:32, 33; Isa 9:6,7)

 

 

  1.  Look at verses 13 and 14. What does the angel chorus teach us about Jesus and his kingdom? (Isa 11:3-10; Da 2:44, 7:14,26,27) How does his birth fulfill God’s creation purpose for mankind?