Reference

Luke 2:8-20

Sermon Notes

  1. The coming of the Messiah (v. 8-14)
    1. A glorious appearing (v. 8-9)
    2. An announcement (v. 10-12)
    3. A heavenly worship service (v. 13-14)
  2. Believe in the good news (v. 15-16)
  3. Respond to the good news (v. 17-20)
    1. Share the good news (v. 17)
    2. Be amazed (v. 18)
    3. Reflect on this good news (v. 19)
    4. Worship God (v. 20)
  4. Ways to Increase Our Joy
    1. Know suffering precedes sweetness
    2. Follow Jesus whole-heartedly
    3. Obey God’s Word

Going Deeper

  1. Why was it so significant that an angel came to shepherds to
    announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:9)? Hint: consider the negative
    reputation of shepherds. What does this teach us about God’s grace?
  2. Read Ezekiel 1:4. How is the glory of God described? How would
    this have been a frightening experience for the shepherds? What does
    this teach us about the glory of God?
  3. What is the “good news of great joy for all the people” (see Luke
    2:11)? How is this good news for you today?
  4. Jesus is the Savior, the Christ (the Messiah), the Lord. On scholar
    says: “This baby who is the deliverer is also the Christ, the anointed
    King of Israel, the one who fulfills the covenant promises made to
    David (e.g., Isa. 9:2–7; 11:1–10; 55:3; Jer.
    23:5–6; 30:9; 33:15–26; Ezek. 34:23–24; 37:24–25; Hos.
    3:5; Amos 9:11).”
  5. Read Isaiah 7:14. How is this sign fulfilled in Luke 2:12?
  6. Who is receives the peace of God according to Luke 2:14? How
    does God show his favor (see Ephesians 2:8-9)? Have you received
    God’s grace?
  7. How do we know the shepherds believed this good news (see
    Luke 2:15-16)? How is their belief proven? What does this teach us
    about biblical belief?
  8. The four ways we can respond to this good news are:
    1. Share the good news (Luke 2:17).
      With whom will you share the good news of Jesus this week?
    2. Be amazed (Luke 2:18).
      Are you amazed at God’s grace in your life? Why or why not?
    3. Reflect on the good news (Luke 2:19).
      How will you take time to reflect on this good news this week?
    4. Worship God (Luke 2:20).
      How will you ascribe worth to God in your life this week?

Three ways to increase our joy:

  1. Know suffering precedes sweetness.
    Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. How are we instructed to suffer as believers in
    Christ? How does your perspective on suffering change when you
    expect to suffer? How does your perspective on suffering change when
    you consider eternity?
  2. Follow Jesus whole-heartedly.
    Read Mark 12:28-31. How will you love the Lord with all your heart,
    soul, mind and strength this week? What do you need to do in order to
    be a whole-hearted follower of Jesus?
    Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How will the Lord make our path straight?
  3. Obey God’s Word.
    Read John 15:1-25. How will you apply this teaching from Jesus
    today? What does it look like for you to abide (remain) in Christ?
    In what specific areas do you need to grow in obedience (in your
    thoughts, words, actions)?
    In John 15:11 Jesus says, “I have told you these things that my joy
    may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
    What steps will you take today to increase you joy?