Small Group Discussion Guide: "Embracing God's Call – A Journey of Faith and Action with a Focus on the Shepherds"

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Scripture Readings:

Luke 2:8–14 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

,Luke 2:15–20

Luke 2:15–20 ESV

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Discussion Questions:

Understanding the Shepherds' Experience:

Question 1: In Luke 2:8-14, the shepherds had a life-changing encounter with angels. How do you think this experience transformed their understanding of God and their own lives?Question 2: Reflect on the fear and awe the shepherds might have felt during this encounter. How does their reaction inspire us in our own encounters with God’s messages?

Responding to God’s Call:

Question 1: The shepherds acted swiftly upon hearing the angels’ message (Luke 2:15-16).

Discuss a time when you felt called to act quickly on a message or inspiration you believed was from God.

Question 2: What can we learn from the shepherds’ readiness to act? How can their example help us in responding to God's call in our lives?

Sharing the Good News:

Question 1: In Luke 2:17-18, the shepherds eagerly shared what they had witnessed. How does their eagerness to spread the good news challenge us in our approach to sharing our faith?

Question 2: Share a personal experience where you felt compelled to share your faith. What motivated you, and what was the outcome?

Reflection on Modern-Day Evangelism:

Question 1: How can the transformation of the shepherds into evangelists after encountering Jesus inspire us to share our faith in today's world?

Question 2: Discuss practical ways we can embody the role of modern-day evangelists, sharing the good news in our daily lives.