Matthew 2.1-8
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
Look back (10-15 min)
What are you thankful for and what’s been a challenge this week?
Can we help with or pray about anything shared?
Vision* & Check-in: How did you go with your plan to share/invite or obey from last time?
Look up (10-15 min)
Read this week’s story/passage. Discuss the following questions:
1. What did you like about this passage?
2. What did you find challenging or hard to understand?
Re-read the passage/story (and retell in your own words)
3. What does this say about God/Jesus?
4. What does this say about people?
Look forwards (10-15 min)
What would it mean for me to obey/follow what is taught here?
Who will I share this story with?
Who will I invite to an upcoming event?
If appropriate, pray.
Notes
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
*Vision: “Reaching the world through workers with the good news about Jesus, starting with 100,000 workers in Asia Pacific’’
