Date: January 9, 2022
Session: The Ruler Who Cares for His People
The Point: Jesus leads and cares for His people.
Get Into the Study
Use the following story as an optional introduction to the session.
Former Republican Senator Bob Dole passed away in December of 2021 at age 98. As a servant of our country for 79 years, from fighting in WWII to law-making in the Senate and beyond, Dole devoted his life to serving the American people. President Biden was a close friend of Dole’s, which is especially notable in this time when so much hostility seems to exist between party lines. “To me,” explains Biden, “he was….a friend whom I could look to for trusted guidance, or a humorous line at just the right moment to settle frayed nerves.”
It’s always sad when a devoted leader passes away, and it’s important that we stop and honor those who have given such a portion of their lives to serving our country. But it makes me wonder—how often do we stop and honor the leadership of Jesus Christ? It can be easy to simply think of Jesus as a friend or as the Son of God—but ultimately, Jesus is the King! Let us never forget that He is seated at God’s right hand on on His heavenly throne and will reign forever. What a gift to know that Jesus continues to love and care for us as our leader, lifted up and glorified.
Ask, “How can you honor Jesus as King this week?”
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and full-time mama from Chicago, where she lives with her husband and two busy little boys.
Study the Bible [Option from Adult (p. 72) and KJV Adult (p. 78) Leader Guides]
In advance, play a song that illustrates today’s passage or have a volunteer lead the group in singing the traditional carol “We Three Kings.” Invite volunteers to express their reactions and responses to the song.
Live It Out
Share the following as you conclude today’s session.
Meta, the parent company for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has reported that 50,000 Facebook users were potentially spied on by surveillance companies. The users targeted were primarily journalists and human rights activists. According to Meta, “The global surveillance-for-hire industry targets people across the internet to collect intelligence, manipulate them into revealing information and compromise their devices and accounts.” These surveillance companies created fake accounts and befriended the targets on Facebook. Meta has since banned seven of these private spy companies from their platforms. Nonetheless, this serves as a reminder to be cautious with your private information on social media platforms.
It can be difficult to know whom you can trust. We often find ourselves on guard against scams, those spreading misinformation, and others seeking their own interests. Thankfully, we can completely let our guard down with Jesus. He has proven completely trustworthy and caring. When we look to the cross, we are reminded of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. We can trust Jesus to lead us and care for us.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom and writer.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- Where have you seen exceptional leadership?
- When have you been blessed by a great boss?
- What are some qualities that make a good leader?
Micah 5:2-5a
- How can Jesus bring us peace?
- How has Jesus shepherded you?
- What stands out to you about this description of the Messiah’s leadership?
Matthew 2:1-6
- What goals can our group pursue together for God’s glory?
- What do we learn from this passage about the way God chooses to reveal Himself?
- What are the implications for us that Jesus is king?
Matthew 2:9-11
- How can we help non-believers recognize who Jesus is?
- What is the connection between joy and worship? Giving and worship?
- What are specific ways we worship Jesus today?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
When the Shepherd Disciplines You
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- Mature Living – Sheltered in His Sovereignty
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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