Introduction // 5 minutes
When was the last time you were surprised with good news?
Observation // 15 minutes
Read Luke 2:1-15
What does “Good News” look like in this passage?
Leader note: When someone gives an observation, ask them “where do you see that?” and then ask the group, “What does that mean – in our own words?” This will help as you move through the question.
Sample Answers May Include…
- News that does away with fear (v10)
- Good news for “all people” (v10)
- News that results in joy (v10)
- Good news looks like the “Savior” the “Messiah” the “Lord” coming to His people (v11)
- It looks surprising, not what you would expect (v12)
- News that causes praise (v13)
- News that brings Glory to God (v14)
- News that brings peace on Earth (v14)
- It sparks action, compelled the shepherds to find out more (v15)
Understanding // 15 minutes
Where does our world look for “Good News” today?
Commentary: 100 years before Luke wrote his gospel, Caesar Augustus brought an end to almost a century of civil war, and for that reason he was called “Prince of Peace” and “Savior.” His military conquest and imperial achievements where commonly referred to as “Good News.” He also held the titles of “Lord” and “Son of God.” Luke intentionally borrows from these titles to make the point that there are two kingdoms, two ways to live, and two versions of good news that a person must decide between.
Jesus brings us life, peace and salvation. Our world continues to bring conflicting messages that tempt us to find peace and even salvation in things outside of Jesus. Another way to ask this question could be to say… “What are all the Caesar’s in our world today?”
Sample Answers May Include…
- The good news of pleasure; I should have whatever makes me happy
- The good new of materialism; my possession will bring be peace, security and happiness
- The good news of individualism; I exist for myself, I can sustain myself and determine my own destiny
- The good news of relativism, I define my own truth
- The good news of universalism, there is no one truth
Application // 20 minutes
Where are you tempted to search for “Good News” outside of Jesus?
Leader Note: Remind your group again that by “good news” we are talking about things that we look to for peace, comfort, security and meaning.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
What if we believed that the “Good News” of Jesus was enough? How might our lives and the lives of others be impacted?
Commentary: Trust in Jesus alone sets us on an unshakeable foundation that is unmoved by circumstance and independent from our earning and striving. The Good News of God’s Kingdom is eternal unlike the news of our world, which fades and ultimately leads to destruction.
Prayer: Father we thank you for the good news of hope and salvation that you have made available to us through your Son, Jesus. Lord we ask that you would continue to give us the courage to choose to live the story of your Kingdom and Gospel and avoid the temptation to believe that this world could replace in anyway all that we have revived in you. Help us to not only be people who receive your good news but live it out for others to see. In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus, Amen!