SERIES TITLE
Down To Earth Week 1
series overview
No matter who you are, what you’ve lived through, or where you’ve come from, the story of how God relentlessly pursues us has the power to change our lives. He chose to come down to our messy, broken world, to prove His great love. Rather than us reaching up to heaven, heaven came down to earth.
sermon TITLE
The Baby In The Manger
Sermon Summary
Mike Breaux emphasized the importance of understanding who God truly is, encouraging us to see how our view of God shapes our lives. He highlights that Jesus came not only to save us from sin but also to reveal the nature of God as approachable and relatable. By examining Jesus’ genealogy, He shares that despite coming from a dysfunctional family tree filled with scandal, God’s grace shines through. Ultimately, this genealogy inspires hope by reminding us that everyone belongs in God’s family, regardless of their past.
ice breaker
If someone were to research your family tree, what would be one of the biggest surprises they might find?
DISCUSSion
Select 3-4 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Reflect on John 1:14 in the Message version that states, ‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.’ What does it mean to you that God was one of us for a time?
- Scan Matthew 1:1-16. How does the genealogy of Jesus, which includes many flawed individuals, challenge common ideas about family and perfection? Which names stand out to you and why? How can knowing that even Jesus came from a troubled family tree help you deal with issues in your own family?
- Matthew’s genealogy included women like Rahab and Ruth, whose lives were marked by struggle and pain. What do you think is the significance of including women with difficult pasts in the genealogy of Jesus? How do these stories encourage you to embrace your own story, especially if it includes hardships or mistakes?
- Read Romans 5:6-7. Mike mentioned that despite our flaws, God has a desire for us to be part of His family. How can you actively pursue a sense of belonging in God’s family and support others who might feel excluded?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
Please share any prayer requests you might have.
- Ask for prayer requests from the group.
- Pray for a greater understanding of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.
- Ask God to help you apply this lesson in your family in your week ahead.
- Pray for opportunities to share that same grace with others.