Bgroup Lesson Dec 15
Key Scriptures:
Big Idea: When we think of majesty, our thoughts usually visualize the splendor of creation or the dignity and grandeur of royalty. Beholding something majestic leaves us awestruck and can cause us to see ourselves as small and in comparison, insignificant. We see the majesty of God openly revealed in the Old Testament through the account of creation and in His miraculous works performed before the children of Israel. However, in the New Testament His majesty is disguised; disguised in the birth of a child and even as He grew it was concealed. To the multitudes it remained hidden but to the broken, the hungry, and the lowly, His majesty was recognized in the person of Jesus Christ. He came lowly, to the lowly, was treated lowly, and lifted the lowly.
Isaiah 53:2 (NIV) "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."
Jesus came without all of the pomp of a king. Instead, he met humanity, not with riches and palaces, but in a humble manger. As an infant, he was dependent upon a young girl for nourishment and care. Growing into adolescence, he made himself accountable to his parents, followed his cousin, hung out with fishermen, washed their feet, submitted to Pilot, and died a cursed death. Jesus came as a lowly person.
Question: Why would God choose to introduce his son into such a low place in life? Would you agree that humanity was at a low place? Explain.
Luke 4:18–19 (NIV) “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
We can have a false perspective that makes us believe that God avoids the lost, broken, and rejected. But, when we look at the life of Jesus, we can see that he came to the outcasts of society. He didn't come to those who didn't think they needed help but to those who knew they were in need of a savior. In fact, he spent time with tax collectors, notorious sinners, the impoverished, and the sick.
Question: Can you remember a time in your life when you were at your lowest and Jesus rescued you? Share with the group.
Read Isaiah 53:3–5 (NIV)
The prophet Isaiah, long before Jesus was born, spoke of how he would be treated lowly. He would be rejected by his people (despised and rejected), He would be ignored and provoked (despised and held in low esteem), He would be tormented and killed (bore our suffering, pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities). Why is it important that we know this? Jesus' suffering lets us know that he can identify with every mistreated person. His example of forgiveness and love is a model for us to follow.
Question: Have you had to forgive someone who hurt, rejected, or looked down on you? How difficult was it for you to follow Jesus' example?
Ephesians 4:8–10 (NIV) "This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)"
All of creation started perfect and then mankind fell from that perfection in the Garden of Eden as a result of sin. Because of the restorative work of Christ, we will return to perfection in the end. Christ started with glory, left it to come lowly to earth. After completing his work, he returned to the glory he gave up. "He who descended also ascended". Jesus came down to earth to lift us up and have us seated with him in heaven!
Question: How should we see ourselves knowing that Jesus left the glory of heaven to lift us up? Does this change your perspective on your personal value to God? Explain.
There are so many people who see no value in themselves because of their past or even present decisions. Ask the Lord to give you the opportunity to encourage someone with this powerful message this week. If God opens the door, invite them to church!