Hopes and Fears of All the Years (Study Guide)

 “Hopes and Fears of All the Years”

Sermon Study Guide for December 11, 2022


Downloadable Version


Scripture: Matthew 2:4-6


“O Little Town of Bethlehem”


1. Bethlehem

a little town in the shadow of Jerusalem


Magi - Numbers 24:17-19

Micah 5:2


Herod




2. The Way God Works

a. ________________________

Nazareth - Matthew 2:23


b. ________________________

Shepherds


c. ________________________

Bethlehem & Jerusalem

Nazareth & Sepphoris


Isaiah 43:1


1 Kings 19:11-12 - Elijah






Questions to Discuss or Ponder:

  1. Why are the Magi more interested in finding the Messiah than the religious leaders are?
  2. How would you characterize the world into which Jesus was born? What was it like?
  3. Why are we so fascinated culturally by “big” things?
  4. When have you seen God working in the midst of the small things of life? Share a story about such an experience from your own life.
  5. Who are the “shepherds” today, the ones who are most powerless?
  6. When have you most felt like a shepherd?
  7. Read Isaiah 43:1 out loud. How does it affect you to know that God knows your name?
  8. How will you welcome Jesus into your life and your Christmas celebrations this year?


Scripture for the Week:

Monday - John 8:12-20

Tuesday - Joshua 2:1-21

Wednesday - Ruth 1:1-18

Thursday - 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Friday - Isaiah 9:2-7

Saturday - Isaiah 7:1-17


In response to this Scripture, how will you live?



Prayer Prompt: Give to Jesus your hopes and fears.

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