STEP THREE: Teach the Bible Passage

Read Luke 2:1-7. Discuss:

• What does Jesus’ vulnerability and humility as a newborn baby communicate in His witness to His humanity?
• How does Jesus’ conception and the circumstances of His birth point to God’s divine intervention and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
• Because Jesus is God and man, how does His birth relate to the Gospel? (God came in flesh.)

Read Luke 2:8-12. Share why shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth were social outcasts. Discuss:

• Considering their position in society, how do the shepherds give a picture of humanity’s sinfulness? (They were unclean, avoided, and considered to be among the lowest level of society.)
• What words did the angel use to describe the baby? (The arrival of the Messiah)
• How did the shepherds’ response to this news? (They were eager to see and worship Him.)
• How does the shepherds’ role in the Savior’s birth give a picture of the gospel? (They represent humanity’s sinfulness and God’s plan to send His Son as the Savior to redeem man.

Read Matthew 2:1-12: Discuss:

• What message does the supernatural star reveal about Jesus? (The supernatural nature of Jesus; the supernatural nature of His birth; the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Savior.)
• Since the Magi were Gentiles and yet worshiped Jesus as the King of the Jews, what are the implications of Gentiles celebrating the coming of Christ? (Jesus came to earth with a view of bringing salvation beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles.)
• What other implications can be drawn of the Magi’s address of Jesus as King and of their worship of Him as King? (The Magi’s response to Jesus demonstrates His position as King of all nations.)