Grow Group Questions – December 3, 2023
Icebreaker:
Share a situation in your life where you have felt God has chosen you to do something. How did you respond? Alternate question: How did you learn about the birds and the bees?
Sermon Discussion – Read Luke 1:26-38
- Pastor Steve shared some responses from 13-year-old girls about how they would feel if an angel told them they would carry the Messiah. How do you think you would have responded as a 13-year-old?
- Do you think you would respond differently now?
- Discuss the role of trust in Mary’s response and in our responses to God. How does trust play a part in simple obedience?
- God wants us to give Him a simple “yes” and trust Him with the details. Do you agree with this statement? Why?/Why not?
- How can we cultivate trust in God’s ability to work things out in our lives, especially when we can’t see the complete picture?
- Share a current situation where the “simple yes” feels impossible. Come up with a way to pray for one another about these issues.
Going Deeper –
- Mary likely faced judgment and criticism from society. What are some situations or circumstances that might cause believers today to face a similar reaction from their friends, colleagues and family members?
- What are some practical ways we can discern whether our brothers and sisters who are making unconventional choices are choosing obedience to God or their own course?
- Christmas is not just about a child and his mother, but about God moving toward a broken and hurting world. How does this perspective shape our understanding of God’s character and His relationship with us?
- Mary is worthy of admiration, not veneration (worship). Explore the difference between these two concepts and discuss how our understanding of biblical figures impacts our faith.
- Does the faith tradition you were raised in lean more toward admiration of Mary or veneration?
Prayer:
In light of what was discussed, pray for one another that we will be a people who respond with “May it be as you have said”
Reminder for Next week: We will be in Matthew 1:18-25 – Read ahead!