Date: December 22, 2019
Is Jesus God?
The Point: Everything about Jesus’ birth points to His divinity.
Get Into the Study
Use this current event to introduce the session.
An August 2019 article from Christianity Today found that students at Christian universities are actually more likely than their secular school counterparts to struggle with their faith. “At most institutions, rates of religious struggle decrease between the first and third year of college…But for students at schools affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), it’s the other way around. They tend to feel secure in their faith at the start of college but three years later, they’re in crisis.” College professors, deans, and chaplains interviewed said that this doubting process is natural—even encouraged—and an important growing step for students. “‘Crisis is a precursor to growth,’ [Jennifer Carter, assistant professor of leadership at Southeastern University] said. ‘We can see that in life generally, but in faith especially.’” Each person interviewed echoed similar thoughts, and the resounding conclusion was that it’s more important and strengthening for students to doubt and ask questions in a safe space than to stay silent about their doubts.
No matter what our stage in life, it’s easy to have doubts about the divinity of Jesus. We live in a world that’s constantly questioning our Christian beliefs. But the important thing is that when we question, we remain connected to the body of Christ. And eventually, we have to decide once and for all—was Jesus really the Son of God?
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and full-time mama from Chicago, where she lives with her husband and baby boy. You can find her on Twitter at @ashgemmert, or failing to update her blog at ashleygraceemmert.blogspot.com.
Get Into the Study (Option)
In advance, gather and bring your passport or download a picture of one by clicking here. Direct group members to work with the person beside them to create a list of how many forms of identification are possible. After a couple of minutes, encourage a few volunteers to share their responses.
Show your passport. Ask, “What is the purpose of a passport?” Discuss responses. Point out that being in another country without a passport can create all types of problems. Say, “It’s good to be able to prove exactly who you are wherever you happen to be.” Explain that when Jesus came to earth, He was entering a “foreign” country. Say, “Even though Jesus created everything and everyone around Him, He was different. He was completely God and completely man at the same time.” Share that the verses in today’s session reveal Jesus as God even before He was born.
This idea is found in the teaching plan in the Young Adults Leader Guide.
Get Into the Study (Option)
In advance, prepare to play a song like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” that proclaims the deity of Christ. A video option can be found here. Invite someone to lead the group in singing the chorus or use the time for quiet reflection.
This idea is found in the teaching plan in the Adult Leader Guide.
Study the Bible
Use this current event with the Luke 1:26-29 section.
According to The Pew Research Forum, the age gap between those who practice a faith and those who do not is increasing in countries around the world. Research shows that “overall, adults ages 18 to 39 are less likely than those ages 40 and older to say religion is very important to them in 46 out of 106 countries surveyed by Pew Research Center over the last decade.” Millennials are even known as the “none” generation—35% of Millennials are either atheistic, agnostic, or have no religious affiliation whatsoever.
Youth can lend itself to a shaky faith. Often, the older and wiser a person gets, and the more life that person experiences, the stronger their faith becomes. It’s why we mostly look to our elders for wisdom, instead of those younger than us! And yet, God trusted the birth of the Savior of the world with a teenage girl. Her faith was strong, and God knew that she was capable of carrying and raising God’s only son. She was troubled by the news the angel brought her, and she asked questions—but she never doubted the words the angel spoke to her. While Mary’s faith may seem unattainable, the truth is, she had a humble heart and a willingness to be a servant of the Lord. Those are attributes we can all pray for in our own lives!
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and full-time mama from Chicago, where she lives with her husband and baby boy. You can find her on Twitter at @ashgemmert, or failing to update her blog at ashleygraceemmert.blogspot.com.
Study the Bible (Option)
Click here for an image of a passport to use with the optional idea in Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide, page 22.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What is the greatest news you have been excited to tell someone?
- What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?
- How would you describe one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Luke 1:26-29
- How has your understanding of the Christmas story changed over the years?
- What is the significance of the virgin birth?
- What emotions do you think Mary experienced when she was given the news?
Luke 1:30-33
- How would you explain to someone else that Jesus was both fully man and fully God?
- What does it say about the character of God that He would become one of us?
- What was the significance of the angel’s promise regarding Jesus and the kingdom?
Luke 1:34-35
- What can we learn from Mary when we don’t fully understand God’s plan?
- How can we share the truth of the gospel this week with our family and friends?
- How does Jesus’ identity change our world?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Who Answers Those Online Questions About God?
Video
Here’s a brief video giving you an overview of this session: Answers to Tough Questions, Session 4.
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