Two Miraculous Conceptions Luke 1:5-56 DISCUSSION GUIDE 1. Complete the following chart to compare/contrast the birth announcements of John and Jesus. John the Baptist Jesus the Messiah Parents Age Zechariah & Elizabeth too old for a child Mary & Joseph very young Parents Lifestyle Righteous before God Favored by God Births Announced An angel appeared to Zechariah The same angel, Gabriel appeared to Mary Reaction Zechariah doubted Mary believed Result Zechariah unable to speak Mary would be considered blessed DISCUSSION GUIDE 2. Why were both of these birth announcements miraculous? a. John the Baptist – Parents were elderly and Elizabeth had been barren b. Jesus – A virgin getting pregnant without sexual relations DISCUSSION GUIDE 3. What was Zechariah’s response to Gabriel’s announcement? (v. 18) He expressed doubt and questioned Gabriel. DISCUSSION GUIDE 4. Why is doubt always a reaction by some when a miracle is proclaimed? DISCUSSION GUIDE 5. When you hear some say they have experienced or witnessed a miracle how do you react? Why? DISCUSSION GUIDE 6. What did Gabriel state about the mission of John the Baptist? (vs. 15-17) He would be a great man, filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb. He would be an evangelist, and a forerunner preparing the way for the Messiah. DISCUSSION GUIDE 7. What is Mary’s first reaction when Gabriel appeared to her? (v. 29) She was greatly troubled and scared. DISCUSSION GUIDE 8. How can fear lead to doubt when it involves the miraculous? DISCUSSION GUIDE 9. What was Gabriel’s pronouncement for the mission of Jesus? (v. 32) He will be great, called the Son of God. He will reign over Israel and His kingdom will never end. DISCUSSION GUIDE 10. When it comes to miracles how should (v. 37) be practiced? We tend to put God in a box, in our own manmade system and limited thoughts. Nothing is impossible with God. DISCUSSION GUIDE 11. Do you truly believe (v. 37)? Does this mean that God will work a miracle every time we ask? No, God is sovereign and knows what’s best, but He can work a miracle if He chooses to. DISCUSSION GUIDE 12. What happened when Mary greeted Elizabeth? (v. 41) Elizabeth’s child leaped in her womb and was filled with the Holy Spirit. DISCUSSION GUIDE 13. How did Elizabeth endorse Mary and her baby (vs. 42-45)? She said Mary was blessed among women. She proclaimed that Mary was the mother of her Lord. She blessed Mary for her belief and obedience. DISCUSSION GUIDE 14. List some of the highlights of Mary’s hymn of praise. (vs. 46-55) a. (v. 46) Her soul exalted the Lord (The magnificat) b. (v. 47) Her spirit rejoiced in God c. (v. 48) She humbled herself d. (v. 48) Recognized that generations will call her blessed e. (v. 49) She gave God all of the credit f. (v. 50) She acknowledged God’s mercy DISCUSSION GUIDE 14. List some of the highlights of Mary’s hymn of praise. (vs. 46-55) g. (v. 51) She acknowledged God’s power h. (v. 52) She stated that God can bring down the mighty and exalt the lowly i. (v. 53) She stated that God has filled the hungry and emptied the rich j. (vs. 54-55) She stated that God has kept His promises to Israel DISCUSSION GUIDE 15. Write down which of Mary’s statements most resonate with you.