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.