Unit 2 LESSON 12

November 17, 2024

STUDY TEXT: Genesis 5:14-15; Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38; 46-55; 2:1-21

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians respond in awe and thanksgiving to God's wondrous plan of salvation.

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KEY VERSE: Luke 1:28 The angel came in into her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou among women (KJV).

Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

As we look at the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can learn a great deal about submission to God's will. This week, we'll consider God's salvation plan throughout history--from the Fall, through the prophets, to Gabriel's birth announcement to a humble Jewish teenager in Nazareth. Her response of surrender to God, no matter the cost, inspires us to surrender to Him as well. Christmas marks a pivotal event in history--and it's worth every celebration! The Christmas story is all about the goodness of God and His redemptive purposes, but this week we'll focus on the role God chose for Mary. As we notice Mary's responses to God in this story, we'll be encouraged to trust God's leading in our own lives. Giod handpicked Mary to be Jesus' mother--a specific, significant role in His plan of salvation. Just as God chose Mary for this task, He has chosen each of us to be born in a specific moment in history to fulfill specific roles. And God has plans for each of us. God was pleased when Mary surrendered to Hid will; He is pleased when we do the same.

PART 1- The Incarnation of Christ Foretold

He Shall Bruise Your Head            Genesis 3:14-15

The first mention of the coming Savior is found in Genesis 3, just after sin entered the hearts of humanity The serpent tempted Eve to question God's commands and doubt His goodness (3:1-5). tragically, they believed the lies of the enemy and ate from the forbidden tree (verse 6). Their rebellious sin separated them from God, causing shame and blame between the two of them (verses 7-13). Verses 14-15 describe God's curse on the serpent. But if we look closer t verse 15, we see a powerful promise: One day the woman's offspring would struggle with, and ultimately defeat, the serpent's offspring. Jesus is, of course, the woman's victorious offspring--the Son of Man, who battled and overcame Satan. Jesus overcame death and would destroy the works of His enemy once and for all (1 John 3:8). Satan is still looking for any opportunity to separate us from God (1 Peter 5:8-9). And he continues to use the same tactics, wanting us to doubt God's word and question His goodness. We will continue to battle the enemy as long as we live on this earth (Ephesians 6:11-12), but his ultimate defeat is guaranteed (Revelation 20:10).

Discuss? How are you encouraged by the fact God planned from the beginning that Jesus would defeat our enemy, Satan?

  The Virgin Will Give Birth                              Isaiah 7:10-14

In Isaiah 7, Ahaz, the king of Judah, was under threat of attack from Israel and Aram. God had assured Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah that he only needed to wait for the danger to pass, but Ahaz had put his faith in human effort. The Lord warned Ahaz, "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm." and told the king to ask God himself for a sign. Showing apparently false piety, Ahaz refused to test" the LORD like that." In fact, the king had already decided to disobey God and form a military alliance with Assyria. Fed up with Ahaz's pride, Isaiah spoke on God's behalf: "All right then, the LORD himself will give you the sign LOOK! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us." Seven hundred years after Isaiah prophecy, an angel's message to Joseph would finally established that Mary and her  divine Son Jesus would bring ultimate fulfillment to this prophecy (Matthew 1:20-23). He would be the  wonderful  Child described in Isaiah 9:2-7 and the Branch from Jesse's stump described in Isaiah 11.

Discuss? Have you ever rejected Gods direction because, like King Ahaz, you wanted to go with your own plan instead? What were the results?

Part 2-- Gabriel's Announcement, Mary's Response

Name Him Jesus                                 Luke 1:26-38

Luke connects the miraculous birth of Jesus with that of John the Baptist in 1:26 by referring to his mother Elizabeth (verse 24) and Gabriel *verse 19). Then, Luke includes three important details in verse 27: 91). Mary was a virgin. (2). Mary was engaged to Joseph. (3). Joseph was a descendant of king David.

Gabriel began his announcement to Mary with, "Greetings, favored woman!" The Lord is with you!" (verse 28). However, she was "confused and disturbed." Gabriel told her not to be afraid. God's grace was upon her. Whatever came next, He would be with her. Mary would conceive and give birth to the Son of God She was to name Hm Jesus. The angel went on to describe how her Son would reign over Israel and establish an everlasting Kingdom. Unable to get past the practical matters, she asked, "But how can this happen? I am a virgin." Gabriel explained that her child would be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Here, at the beginning of her lifelong journey, Gabriel gave her an assurance of God's faithfulness: "The word of God will never fail." Mary's response? "I am the Lord's servant." She wanted to participate in God's plan. She humbly trusted Him to care for her, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead

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DISCUSS? What do we learn about Mary's character in Luke 1:26-38.

           I Am the Lord's Servant                              Luke 1:46-55

Shortly after receiving the message from the angel Gabriel, Mary hurried off to be with her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth encouraged Mary, immediately recognizing God's purposes and praising Mary's faith (Luke 1:45). Luke 1:46-55 records Mary's faith (Luke 1:45). Luke 1:46-55 records Mary's response to Elizabeth--a beautiful song of praise. Mary's words reveal a great deal about: (1) Her knowledge of scripture. Much of the imagery and background for Mary's song Hannah's song (1 Samuel 2:1-10). (2) Her personal relationship with God. Mary celebrates God's goodness. He had done great things, including "great things for me" (Luke 1:49). (3). Her trust in God's redemptive plan. After rejoicing in "God my savior" (verse 47), Mary recalls God's covenant promise to Abraham (verse 55).

DISCUSS? How can we cultivate a submissive heart like Mary's (Luke 1:38)?

      Part 3- Mary Gives Birth to Messiah

Jesus Is Birn             Luke 2:1-7

Mary and Joseph had both received angelic proclamations about the birth of Jesus. They had ben trusted with important roles in God's redemptive plan. But their journey of obedience would not be easy. Still betrothed, they journeyed nearly one hundred miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem (David's hometown) to register. Amazingly, the birth took place in an area that included space for animals (Luke 2:6-7). Can you imagine a humble place for Jesus, the King of Kings, to be born? The details of Jesus' birth show his accessibility and willingness to identify with us,

DISCUSS? What thoughts and emotions do you think Mary experienced at Jesus' birth?

  Mary Kept All These Things in Her Heart         Luke 2:8-19

An angel of the Lord appeared, and "the radiance of the Lord's glory" surrounded the shepherds, who were filled with terror (verse 9). However, the angel brought "good news's (verse 10): The Savior had been born in Bethlehem (verse 11). In celebration, a host of angel filled the sky, praising God) verses 13-14). Imagine the shepherds' reaction as they raced toward Bethlehem. Imagine Mary's amazement as they tried to find the words to describe what had happened in the fields that night. imagine Mary looking at Jesus in astonishment, pondering everything she had seen and heard. She had indeed found favor with God.

DISCUSS? When you consider the main characters in this story--a teenage girl, a carpenter, a group of shepherds, and a newborn baby--what do you notice about the qualifications God values most?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Mary's humble, submissive response to God teaches us how to participate in His redemptive purposes. No matter how difficult or strange our individual assignments may be, we can trust His Word, his guidance, and His provision.

LIVING IT OUT

          (1). How might God be asking you to be part of His redemptive plan in your community? respond in Obedience.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

                                   Monday: Abraham Laughs in Wonder. (Genesis 17:15-19) 

                                                 Tuesday: God Grants Solomon's Humble Request. (1 Kings 3:5-15)

                                 Wednesday: Job Silenced by God's Majesty. (Job 40:1-5)

                               Thursday: Disciples Marvel at Jesus'. (Matthew 8:23-27)

                                 Friday: Gentiles Glady receive Salvation. (acts 13:44-48)

                             Saturday: The Song of Redemption. (revelation 5:6-14)

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 1. Sep. Oct.  Nov. 2024