CONNECT:  What is one aspect this week that you can grow in humble obedience to God?

WARM-UP  Question

1. Have you ever felt like ‘singing for joy’ in response to good news? Have you ever actually done it?  

READ Luke 1:39-45

1. Quick recap: what has happened so far in Luke? What has caused Mary to hurry to see Elizabeth? 
2. What does the baby do when Mary arrives? What do you think is the significance of this?
3. In what was Mary ‘blessed’? (Share any explanations in your study Bibles that may help the group understand this more clearly.)
4. Through the words of Elizabeth, what was the cause of Mary being blessed? How does this compare to Zechariah’s response when he was told of the good news regarding Elizabeth?

READ Luke 1:46-56

1. What most strikes you about how Mary begins this song of praise?
2. In your Bible, are there any cross-references provided with regard to verses 46-47? What does this referenced passage emphasise?
3. In what way has both judgement and salvation arrived in Jesus? Why do these go hand-in-hand?
4. What is God’s mercy? How is God’s mercy extended to us? What does this practically mean for us?
5. In verses 51 onward, Mary is recalling and rejoicing in the ways that God has been faithful in rescuing his people in the past. What are some of those events that Mary may be referencing?
6. What are the ways in which God has been faithful to you? Try to think not just about the good things you have received, but the way in which God’s promises have been made real in your life.
7. How does Mary’s song make it clear that part of Jesus’ arrival means that injustice would be reversed? What are some of the injustices that you long to be overturned?
8. How seriously does God take his promises? Does that have an effect on you as you face trouble?
9. How are the people of God involved in seeking justice according to God’s standards? When will God’s justice be ultimately fulfilled?

APPLY: What is one way that you can point to God’s mercy this coming week?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Offering to say grace before a meal is a simple and powerful way to point to the amazing news of Jesus this Christmas.

Listen:

• “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus” by D. A. Carson
• “Mary’s Blessedness” by Dick Lucas
• “The Song of Mary” by Alistair Begg
• “The Returns are Unsettling” by William Taylor
  

Read

• “3 Things Mary Knew About Her baby Boy” by Jonathan J. Routley

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):

• “Hidden Christmas” by Tim Keller
• The Bible Project on Luke

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