Jesus is Born
Luke 2:1-17
International Sunday School Lesson
December 22, 2013
Commentary
By
Jed Greenough
“I bring you good news of great joy…” Even from my youth, even before I was a Christian, I remember those stirring words having heard them every Christmas season. I can’t say I remember any images that might have gone along with it all, whether it was something on television, programs or books but the words sunk in to that little boy.
We can all share the word of God with others but it is a little harder to try and show what we read about in today’s scripture. People can read these words and see that Jesus was born in simple environs not some palatial digs. I think that should matter to people.
To me another thing that really matters is that this most momentous of all occasions is announced to simple shepherds. I certainly like that.
I believe that someone you are sharing this birth with would probably likewise notice that sharing was exactly what these shepherds were doing. “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…..The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen…”
That is the essence of the gospel message, this “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” that will eventually culminate in the revelation that “God has provided salvation through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
What a great time for us to read this Christmas story, to use the renewed energy this season gives us and emulate those shepherds of long ago and share with others this good news.
For Discussion:
1. Discuss that God gave man a role in sharing the good news
2. Discuss what a three day journey would have been like in that day and especially for a near term pregnant woman
3. God obviously could have “made room” in the inn. Discuss
4. Read and discuss what comes to mind when you read verses 9, 13-14
5. Discuss verse 14
6. Verse 14 has a famous title you probably know even if you don’t know Latin
7. Share the Good News!
Upcoming Lessons
12-22-13 Jesus is Born Luke 2:1-17
12-29-13 Jesus is Presented in the Temple Luke 2:21, 22, 25-38 or 2:25-38
1-5-14 Honoring the Sabbath, Luke 6:1-11
1-12-14 Living as God’s People or How to Live as God’s People, Luke 6:12, 13, 17-31 or 6:17-31
1-19-14 Enlarging Your Circle or Jesus Teaches about Relationships, Luke 14:7-18a, 21-24 or 14:7-18a, 22-24
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
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