Advent: Behold Jesus - Behold Jesus. Behold Joy.

OUTLINE:

1. The Gospel is for the World (Matthew 2:1-2)

2. The Gospel is for the Weak (Matthew 2:2-4)

3. The Gospel is in the Word (Matthew 2:5-6)

4. The Gospel is a War (Matthew 2:7-12)

QUESTIONS:

1. (Matthew 2:1-2) What does it tell you about the character of God that gentile outsiders like the Magi were led to worship Jesus? Where do you need to trust Him with loved ones who are far from Jesus? How does it bring joy to know that God pursues the lost? (John 10:11; Psalm 46:10)

2. (Matthew 2:2-4) The rejects inform the religious about the birth of Christ. In what ways has religion caused you to miss the redeemer? (John 5:39; Colossians 3:2)

3. (Matthew 2:5-6) The world's wisdom constantly changes while the Word of God is constant. In what ways does this bring joy? In what ways have you felt pressure to adopt the world's wisdom instead of following what the Word says? (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25)

4. (Matthew 2:7-12) The Gospel never moves forward without a fight. Where do you find yourself losing heart because it seems as though Jesus is losing? Where can you lay down your worry and worship the unstoppable one? (Proverbs 3:5-6; Job 42:2)

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Matthew 2:1-12

NEXT WEEK:

Matthew 2:13-23