EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Irrefutable – Session 3

Date: December 19, 2021

Session: The Savior Who Came to Save Us

The Point: Jesus came for our salvation.

Get Into the Study

Use the following story to introduce session three. 

It’s easy to think of Abraham Lincoln when you think of abolition—but have you heard the name William Wilberforce? Paving the way for an end to American slavery was the work in England completed by Wilberforce, a member of the British House of Commons in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Wilberforce spent 36 years working tirelessly with Parliament to end the slave trade and to free all enslaved people in the British Empire. After devoting decades of his life to seeing the freedom of others, he passed away three days after the Slavery Abolition Act finally passed in Parliament in 1833. The Lord had called Wilberforce to devote his life to a specific purpose, and allowing him to see the purpose completed must have been a beautiful moment for Wilberforce! His devotion to ending slavery impacted thousands and thousands of people whose freedoms had been stripped away from them.

Like Wilberforce, Jesus had a specific calling and mission on earth—but the impact of Jesus coming to earth and devoting His life (and death) to saving the lost is impossible to calculate. Only when we get to Heaven and join in the celebration of all who have been saved by Jesus’ sacrifice will we ever fully be able to understand the gift the Lord bestowed upon us. He offered the gift of true freedom to the whole world! What a legacy we belong to when we become a part of the family of God.

Ask Question 1 from the teaching plan. Allow time for discussion.

Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and full-time mama from Chicago, where she lives with her husband and two busy little boys.

Get Into the Study [Option from the Daily Discipleship Guide, p. 122]

Help introduce and illustrate the significance of the birth of Jesus by showing the classic scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas, where Linus presents the story of Jesus’ birth and quotes from Scripture.

After reviewing the clip, talk about how Charlie Brown failed multiple times to direct the Christmas play and find a suitable Christmas tree, and how he is mocked and rejected by the other kids. State that with only his friend Linus at his side, Charlie Brown cried out in exasperation, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” In response, Linus calls for the lights, recites the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:8-14), and finishes his speech by saying, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Further explain that this session will examine how Jesus’ birth brought with it that which we could never give ourselves.

Get Into the Study [Option from Adult (p. 37) and KJV Adult (p. 40) Leader Guides]

In advance, play a video clip illustrating how a decision made by someone positively affects others. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible [Option from Adult (p. 40) and KJV Adult (p. 44) Leader Guides]

In advance, play the classic scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas where Linus presents the story of Jesus’ birth and quotes from Scripture. Invite volunteers to express their reactions and responses.

Live It Out

Share the following as you conclude today’s session. 

Ask: What do you think were the top Google searches and Google news searches of 2020?

Click here to share the following lists from Google Trends. Emphasize any of the items that weren’t mentioned by your group.

Ask: What do you think will be the top searches and news from 2021?

Invite the group to consider how these top searches might change based on where you lived in the world, and how these search topics will be remembered or forgotten over the next year, decade, and century. Point out that events are more likely to be remembered by people and groups who were directly impacted by them.

The news cycle often leads us to believe that current events are the most urgent and important events. However, as believers, we know that Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection are far more important and life-changing.

Encourage your group to share this truth with others.

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

• In your experience, when did Christmas become more about Jesus than presents?
• What’s the farthest you’ve traveled just to see someone?
• What’s your favorite Christmas memory? 

Luke 2:4-7

• How might Jesus’ birth help us better understand His ministry and work?
• What are some practical ways we can display humility?
• When have you ever experienced a combination of seemingly random events that have clearly been God’s hand at work in your life?

Luke 2:8-12

• How does the good news of Jesus’ birth provide comfort for believers today?
• What part of the angel’s proclamation means the most to you? Why?
• How do these verses highlight the importance of Jesus’ birth?

Luke 2:16-20

• How can believers help non-believers recognize their need for a Savior?
• Why is the promise of salvation a reason for joy?
• What tools have helped you share the gospel?

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:

Jesus Didn’t Come to Give Us Christmas

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.

• HomeLife – God’s Unlikely Messengers

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