Week 1

Look Back

Which new identity in Jesus did you focus on this week? What were the results?

Look Up

Read Luke 2:1-7

1. Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? How easy was the journey and what challenges did they face as they made the trip and arrived in Bethlehem?

Read Luke 2:39-50

1. What does verse 40 say about Jesus? Based on this verse alone, how was Jesus similar to or different from other children?
2. What was Jesus doing when he stayed behind in Jerusalem? What does this say about Jesus and how was this different from other children?
3. How did the people listening to Jesus in this situation react to Him and why?
4. How did Jesus explain His reason for remaining in Jerusalem? What does this say about Jesus?

Read Matthew 13:53-58

1. What was the initial reaction of the people listening to Jesus in this situation? Why did they change their opinion of Him and have you ever faced a similar situation?
2. How did Jesus respond to the people’s change of heart? What does this say about Jesus and how should people today apply this in their lives?

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

In the midst of your struggles during this season, is God the only hope for meaning in your life? What steps will you take to better understand and share the hope that Jesus offers?

Notes

The reality is that life presents many challenges and often does not go the way we want it to. Jesus and His family experienced many of the same challenges that we do - complying with ruling authorities, earning an income and rejection of those who knew them well. Even the perfect man did not have the “perfect” life, but in the midst of approval and reaction, He looked to God. His Father for affirmation. We need to follow His example and do the same.