Go Deeper This Week
Scripture and questions for study and reflection:
Read Luke 1:26-38.
1. In what way was God breaking his silence in Luke, Chapter 1? How long had God been silent? What does this mean for us today? (Hint:think Emmanuel)
2. Why was Gabriel’s message to Mary such a “crazy ask,” as Pete Briscoe puts it in the video for this week?
3. What will this “crazy ask” mean for Mary? When has God made a “crazy ask” of you, and what did it mean for your life?
4. What does it mean that Mary chose theology over biology? Why is this important? When might you be faced with a similar choice?
5. What is the “proto-evangelium” found in Genesis 3:14-15? Have you heard of this before? What do you think of this interpretation of those verses?
6. Pastor Mick described a series of three questions Mary had to answer:(1) Do I believe this? (2) How can this be? (3) Will I do it? When have you had to answer similar questions in your (faith) life?
7. How easy/hard is it to believe the great theological truth that “nothing is impossible with God”? When you embrace that truth, how does it stretch your faith?
8. Throughout this passage, Mary goes from “greatly troubled” to “greatly confused” to “greatly encouraged.” When have you experienced a time like this in your own life?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, we confess that we have not always been as willing as Mary to say “yes” to the “crazy asks” you put on our lives. Forgive us, Lord, for those times when we fail to embrace the grand theological truth that nothing is impossible with you, God. In those times when we are greatly troubled and greatly confused, remind us that you are Emmanuel, God with us, so that we may receive your great comfort and encouragement. Whatever you ask of us in the future, Lord, help us to respond as Mary, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
