The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-7
Understand It
- What was the purpose of Joseph and Mary’s trip to Bethlehem? (2:1-4)
- Why was travel especially difficult for Mary? (2:5)
- What were the conditions in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born? (2:7)
Apply It
- How can you honor Jesus with your Christmas celebrations?
The Shepherds and the Angels - Luke 2:8-20
Understand It
- What message did the angel tell the shepherds? (2:10, 12)
- By what symbol or sign were the shepherds supposed to identify the Christ child? (2:12)
- What was the immediate reaction of the shepherds after the angels left? (2:15)
Apply It
- How can you glorify and praise God with other Christians this week?
Jesus Presented in the Temple - Luke 2:21-40
Understand It
- Why did Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple? When? (2:22-23)
- What special significance did Christ’s arrival have for Simeon? (2:26-29)
- What was Anna’s response to finding Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child in the temple? (2:38)
Apply It
- How could you express your thanks to God this week for becoming a human being to provide a way of salvation?
The Boy Jesus at the Temple - Luke 2:41-52
Understand It
- How did Jesus get left behind in Jerusalem? (2:43-44)
- Why did three days pass before Mary and Joseph found Jesus? (2:46)
- How did Mary respond when she and Joseph finally found Jesus? (2:48)
Apply It
- Of the four ways in which Jesus grew (in wisdom, in stature, in favor with God, in favor with man), which one needs the most work in your life?
John the Baptist Prepares the Way - Luke 3:1-20
Understand It
- What was John’s basic message? (3:3)
- What attitude did John warn the people not to have? Why? (3:8-9)
- What title were the people beginning to give John? (3:15)
Apply It
- In what areas of your life do you need to show the fruits of repentance this week?
The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus - Luke 3:21-38
Understand It
- How were Jesus, the dove, and the voice all related in Jesus’ baptism? (3:21-22)
- What did the voice from heaven actually say about Jesus? (3:22)
- What was Jesus doing when the Holy Spirit descended on Him? (3:22)
Apply It
- In what kinds of ways can you be a minister of God to others this week?
The Temptation of Jesus - Luke 4:1-13
Understand It
- After forty days of fasting and facing temptations, how did Jesus feel? (4:2)
- How did Jesus reply when the devil urged Him to turn a stone into bread? (4:4)
- Where did Jesus get the answers He gave the devil? (4:4, 8, 12)
Apply It
- How can you prepare for tempting situations at work?
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth - Luke 4:14-30
Understand It
- What was Jesus’ hometown? (4:16)
- How did the audience respond to Jesus’ reading? (4:20)
- What were the main points of Jesus’ words to the people in His hometown? (4:23-27)
Apply It
- In what way could you renew your commitment to worship with other Christians?
Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit - Luke 4:31-37
Understand It
- In what setting did Jesus drive out the demon from the man in Capernaum? (4:33)
- How did Jesus respond to the evil spirit’s presence? (4:35)
- How was Jesus’ reputation affected by the healing of the demon-possessed man? (4:36)
Apply It
- What area of worldly or evil influence in your life needs to experience the power of Jesus more directly?
Jesus Heals Many - Luke 4:38-44
Understand It
- How did Jesus heal Simon’s mother-in-law’s fever? (4:39)
- What kinds of healing did Jesus perform that day? (4:40-41)
- Besides exorcizing them, how did Jesus treat the demons? (4:41)
Apply It
- In what ways can you thank God this week for healing your life or the life of someone you know?
