Study Guide - Advent Series - Week 4

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-7

ADDITIONAL READING: Micah 5:2-4 & Luke 2:1-20

Introduction

The incident of Jesus' birth is a fairly well known story. Many people have seen movies or television programs or plays in churches about what happened. The danger of knowing a story well is that we fail to understand the feelings of the people involved and the struggles they faced. As you read through the Christmas story, try to enter into the lives of those involved and identify with them. As you do this, you will gain insight and application to your life also. The gospels of Luke and Matthew (1:18-24) contain the most information about the birth of Jesus. Matthew seems to focus on Joseph's experience, while Luke focuses on Mary's experience. Mark does not mention Jesus' birth but rather starts his gospel with Jesus' ministry as an adult. John (1:14) refers to the birth of Jesus but does not give an specific account of the birth. The book of Philippians, chapter 2 verses 6-7, refers to Jesus taking on human flesh. The virgin birth is predicted in Isaiah 7:14, and the birth in Bethlehem is predicted in Micah 5:2-4. 

Background Information

Galatians 4:4 tells us that Jesus was born in the fullness of time. God, who is the God of history and always in control, prepared everything for the precise moment in history for the birth of Jesus. God's plan is always on time. Caesar Augustus was the most powerful ruler of the world at that time. He reigned as Caesar for 44 years in the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire controlled the entire known world at that time. He was thus the most powerful ruler in the world. It was Caesar Augustus' decree that got Mary to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus and thus fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Joseph's ancestors came from Bethlehem. God controls kings and world events and uses them to accomplish His purposes (see also Proverbs 21:1 and 2 Chronicles 36:22). The census was most likely for the purposes of updating the tax roles. Bethlehem is 97.6 miles from Nazareth. This would have entailed a 8-10 day journey of hard walking for pregnant Mary and Joseph. It would have been extremely uncomfortable for Mary. Unknown to most of the world, the big story of that day was not Caesar Augustus' census but the seemingly insignificant birth of a baby in a small town.

Key Points

• The journey God puts you on to get you to where you need to be may not be comfortable.

• The safest place to be is in the center of God's purpose.

• God is working to align you to His purpose for your life.

• Surrender to God is the path to peace.

Digging Deeper Questions

1. How do you think Mary felt about having to take the difficult journey to Bethlehem? How about Joseph? What difficulties do you think they encountered?
2. Has your journey with God ever been difficult? How? What has kept you going?
3. Why do you think most people missed the birth of Jesus? How do people miss the importance of Jesus today?
4. Why do you think God planned for Jesus to be born in humble circumstances? What significance does that have for you in your life, if any?
5. Read Luke 2:8-20. Tell what happened in your own words.
6. What did the angels tell the shepherds about Jesus? How is the birth of Jesus good news for all people — explain. What do the shepherds do once they hear the good news and see Jesus?
7. What principles do you learn from this true story that you can implement in your life?

This Week’s Challenge

Read Luke's account of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:1-20 with your family or friends.