These questions are connected to the message, “Do You Want More Wisdom in Your Life?” from May 16, 2021. You can find it here.
Dive In:
Read or listen to this passage (Luke 2:21-52) in an unfamiliar translation of the Bible (e.g. New Living Translation or The Message). What stood out to you that you either never noticed before, you felt was speaking to you, or that you’re challenged by?
Reflect:
- What piqued your curiosity, challenged you, encouraged you, or motivated you from the sermon?
- Daniel mentioned the “crossover of influence” (like the intersection of two lines) where what used to be a primary influencer is replaced or superseded by another influencer. For Jesus followers it is the allegiance of Jesus that takes over as the primary influencer over the world. As you look back over your life are you able to see that crossover take place? Was it a moment, event, or multiple moments — more like a wiggly line than a point in time? Do you find that you have to be vigilant — can you feel yourself being sucked into the world’s loyalties and allegiances, ideologies and priorities?
- Luke 2: 40, 52 both indicate that Jesus grew in wisdom. Have you considered before that God in the flesh, would have to acquire or grow into wisdom? How does this impact your understanding of the incarnation and of Jesus as Messiah?
Communion:
- Have you traditionally thought of Communion as simply an act of remembrance with no real implications, or as a ritual through which Christ acts on the individual — something that can change you? Discuss.
- Jesus chose the ordinary (bread) and the impure (blood symbolized by wine) and made them holy, ritualized them as the cornerstone of our worship. Explore the implications of this.
Geek out:
- One New Testament scholar has said that the four gospels are actually just passion narratives (crucifixion/resurrection) with long introductions. What are some clues throughout verses 22-52 that hint at the crucifixion or end of the story?
Act on it:
The imagery of us being “the body of Christ” is much more than imagery. It is a reality. Read/pray this prayer of Teresa of Avila (16th century):
Christ has no body now, but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth, but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which
Christ looks compassion into the world.
Yours are the feet
with which Christ walks to do good.
Yours are the hands
with which Christ blesses the world.
No hands, no feet on earth, but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which
Christ looks compassion into the world.
Yours are the feet
with which Christ walks to do good.
Yours are the hands
with which Christ blesses the world.