An Invite to Outsiders

Look Back

How did you call out to God for help in the middle of your mess, trusting Him to deliver in His way and time this week?

Look Up

Read Luke 2:8-12

1. What was the shepherd’s initial reaction when the angel appeared to them? Why did they react this way? What does this say about how they felt about themselves?
2. What did the angel say in verse 10 to encourage the terrified shepherds? How do you typically respond when you learn that you have been selected to hear and share good news with others? Why do you feel this way?
3. Why did the angel say that the news would bring great joy to “all” people? How does verse 11 explain the “great joy” that was to come?

Read Luke 2:15-18

1. What is the first thing the shepherds did after the angels returned to heaven? What would it take for them to travel to Bethlehem?
2. What exactly did they find in Bethlehem and what was so special about a baby lying in a manger?
3. What does verse 17 say the shepherds told other people? What qualified them to share their experiences with others? What qualifies you to share your story?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

God's first invitation was for the people who felt farthest away. Who will you deliver an invitation to this week?

Notes

When God stepped into the world, He didn’t recruit those in the spotlight. He showed up in the dark, messy fields with the people everyone else overlooked. They were messy and unprepared. They didn’t clean up first. They didn’t get their act together first. They weren’t ready and God still came to them first. Some of us don’t wonder if God is real, we wonder if we qualify. If you feel far away from God, the Christmas story shows that you are exactly who He chooses. You are perfectly suited to share the story of Jesus with someone in particular – who is that for you?