3 - Peace on Earth (Luke 2:1-20; Genesis 3:24)
/The Lord of heaven came into this world in the most humble of ways because it was the only way to make peace between heaven and earth.
I. Two Lords (vv. 1-5, 8-11)
A. Augustus’s Census (vv. 1-5)
B. Christ the Lord (vv. 4, 8-11, 15; cf. Micah 5:1-2)
II. Counted Among Men (vv. 1-5, 6-12, 15-16)
A. Numbered Among Men (vv. 1-5)
B. Announced to the Shepherds (vv. 8-12)
C. Laid in a Manger (vv. 6-7; cf. Ezekiel 16:4-5; Luke 23:53)
III. Making Peace (vv. 4, 13-14; 17-20)
A. Angelic Anticipation (vv. 13-14; cf. 1 Peter 1:10-12; Genesis 3:24)
B. Beastly Recognition (vv. 6-7, 12, 16-20; cf. Isaiah 1:3)
C. Bethlehem (v. 4; cf. Micah 5:1-2; John 6:32-33)
Discussion Starters
Monday—Do you agree that it is possible to see something and totally miss what is going on? How is this a danger with well-known passages like this one?
Tuesday—Why is it so shocking that Jesus is called “the Lord”? (v. 11) What is the angel saying by using this title?
Wednesday—What does it tell you that Jesus was willing to be counted in the census, announced to shepherds, and laid in a manger?
Thursday—With whom is the peace that the angels announce in verse 19? Why have they longed to make this announcement for so long? (Genesis 3:24)
Friday—Read Isaiah 1:3. Is it enough for Jesus to be born, die, and rise again? Does the mean all people go to heaven? What does the Lord require of you?