Leader Lesson
TEXT: Luke 1:26-38
DATE: Dec. 13, 2015
The “Context” and “Explanation” sections are for the leader’s preparation for the lesson. The material in these
sections may certainly be used throughout the course of leading your group through discussion, but is not intended
to be read aloud. As a leader, you are to lead and promote discussion. You don’t have to feel the pressure to lecture
or recite this background information verbatim.
Context: Many generations have passed since God’s promise of salvation to Isaiah.
While the world powers have changed, Israel is still under intense foreign pressure. In
fact, the nation is currently occupied by a foreign army—the Roman Empire. God’s
people are again in desperate need of salvation. The New Testament opens with intense
anticipation. Will God show up? Will He bring the salvation that He had promised long
ago?
Explanation:
vv. 26-27. The announcement of Jesus’ birth carried the authority of God. While it
came through the mouth of Gabriel, an angel, he was sent from God. This is God’s
good news that had begun in the Old Testament! Luke was sure to identify Mary’s
husband, Joseph, as a member of the house of David. The Jews knew from the
Scriptures that the future Messiah would be a descendant of the great King David.
This fact supported the identification of Jesus as King. The Child to be born, then,
would be identified with the lineage through which the Messiah had been promised
(see Isa. 9:6-7; 11:1-5). Humanly speaking, Jesus’ lineage would be traced
legitimately through the royal family of David because Joseph, Jesus’ adoptive father,
was a descendant of David. This made Jesus heir to David’s throne according to
God’s eternal covenant (see 2 Sam. 7:13,16).
vv. 28-30. Mary was favored because the Lord set His undeserved grace upon her,
not because she had earned good standing. Mary was not spectacular or holy by
herself. She was a normal woman, who, in humility, trusted in God’s plan of
salvation.
vv. 31-33. Mary’s conception would be miraculous because she was still a virgin (v.
34). The term virgin emphasized the purity associated with a young, unmarried
woman. Although engaged to a man named Joseph, Mary did not yet live with Joseph.
In first-century Jewish culture, engagement (or betrothal) bound them together
legally as husband and wife. The wedding and consummation of the marriage,
however, followed at a later time
Leader Lesson
vv. 34-35. The difference between Mary’s response (“How can this be?”) and
Zechariah’s (v. 18) is that Mary asked her question not from unbelief but from
puzzlement (v. 38; see note at v. 20). The answer to Mary’s question about how she
could get pregnant without being intimate with a man is that the Holy Spirit would
overshadow her and cause her to conceive. Because the Holy Spirit was the agent of
conception, the child (the holy One; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15) would be the Son of God.
vv. 36-38. If ever Mary was tempted to doubt God’s promise to her, she could recall
Gabriel’s words that nothing will be impossible with God, as had been shown in the
lives of Abraham and Sarah (see Gen. 18:14). Mary’s response is a classic model of
humble commitment (“I am the Lord’s slave”) and willing obedience (“may it be
done to me according to your word”).
As your group time begins we want to give the group one main point or “Big Question.” It boils down the lesson into
one key, foundational thought that is focused on life application that gives the group an easy-to-remember take
home to frame this lesson and think about during the week.
“Where will you look for salvation?
In stuff? Or in Jesus?”
Use this section to help break the ice and to get everyone involved in conversation. We want to provide nonintimidating questions at the beginning to prime the conversation pump so that everyone will be comfortable when
we transition into talking about God’s word together. As the leader, you can shepherd the group by directing the
more chatty group members and inviting the less talkative to join in.
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Do you ever find yourself comparing gifts with friends, family, neighbors or
competing to have the best Christmas lights or decorations?
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What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Favorite gift you’ve ever given?
What made those gifts memorable or special?
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What does it reveal about us that even though we are one of the wealthiest
nations in history, the depression rate continues to grow? What does that
reveal about the holiday shopping mania?
READ: Luke 1:26-38
Pray: Pray that God would expose our need for salvation. That we wouldn’t think we
have it all together and can look to Christ during this Christmas season.
Leader Lesson
The questions below are designed to engage the group in discussion about the Bible. As the leader, encourage every
group member to be involved. This may involve lovingly guiding the more talkative and inviting the less talkative to
join in. Leader, you may have to answer to get the conversation going. If you answer, set the tone. If you are shallow
or vague, your group will be as well. Lead your group to be transparent, vulnerable, and specific.
Ask a volunteer to read Luke 1:26-33
What do we learn about Jesus from the angel’s message?
What are some things that are similar to what God promised in Isaiah (7:14; 9:67)?
Read God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13. What are some things in this
text in Luke that show Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise?
God would give Him the throne of David to rule over. The reference to his father David reminds
us of Jesus’ royal lineage. Luke identified Mary’s husband, Joseph, as a member of the house of
David (v. 27). This connected Jesus, by adoption, to the promise God made to David in 2 Samuel
7:12-13. Here was the promise of a king from David’s family who would establish a forever
kingdom. God keeps His promises, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and covenants.
Everything pointed to Jesus.
If Jesus really is the king, then what are some practical implications for you and
me? How can we, free 21st century Americans, live our daily lives under king
Jesus?
Ask a volunteer to read Luke 1:34-35
What was Mary’s reaction to the angel Gabriel’s news (v. 34)? How does this
compare with Zechariah’s response to a similar message that he and his wife
would have a miraculous child (v.18)?
How did Gabriel respond to Zechariah? To Mary? Why did the angel respond so
differently?
Leader Lesson
Who is emphasized in v.35? Who is the one working, accomplishing this miracle?
Now look back to v.26. Who is the main player in this account? How does that
influence the way we read this story?
Ask a volunteer to read Luke 1:36-38
In this passage we see the climax of a theme developed across all of Scripture:
Miraculous birth of a savior. What are some other examples you can think of?
Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Ruth, Manoah’s wife, Hannah, etc.
Is Mary’s response surprising? Try and put yourself in her shoes. How would you
have responded?
Are you facing a really hard and challenging in your life? How does this story
encourage you that God knows what He’s doing even if you don’t understand?
It was probably easier for the Israelites under Roman oppression to know they
needed a Savior. But what is happening in your life that reminds you?
What can you do this holiday season to remind yourself you need a Savior? How
can you teach this to your family? Who in your co-workers/friends/neighbors
needs to hear this message?
Closing Prayer
As you close your group time we want to reiterate the one main point or “Big Question” that gives the group an
easy-to-remember take home to frame this lesson and think about during the week.
“Where will you look for salvation?
In stuff? Or in Jesus?”