Welcome to Kendra Graham’s online Bible study. This is a place where we can come together and share in our journey towards Scriptural truths and spiritual maturity. We pray this will be a safe, respectful, resourceful place to come and discuss God’s Word…to discover What it says…What it means…and What it means to you!
Kendra Graham NOTES from Luke 2:13-20
WHAT DOES IT SAY? THE FACTS ONLY PLEASE.
In this step you need to list the outstanding facts of the passage. DON’T get caught up in the details, just list the facts. Do not paraphrase. Use the actual words of the passage. This is God’s Word, a lot of times this step seems tedious to some, but I urge you, as we read, and say and write God’s Word, it begins to sink deep into our hearts. If you just pick one fact out of the verse, write it down and meditate on it.
Verse 13&14: There appeared with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising: “Glory to God in the highest, on earth PEACE among men w/ whom He is pleased”.
Verse 15: Shepherds: “Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing the LORD has made known to us.”
Verse 16: They came in a hurry, found Mary, Joseph and the baby as He lay in the manger.
Verse 17: When they had seen, they made known which had been told them about the Child.
Verse 18: All who heard wondered at things told by the shepherds.
Verse 19: Mary treasured all, pondering in her heart.
Verse 20: The shepherds went back glorifying & praising God for all they had heard & seen just as had been told them.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? THE LESSONS.
Look for a lesson to learn from each fact. What are the people doing that they should be doing? What are the people doing that they shouldn’t be doing?
Is there a command to follow? A promise to claim? A warning to heed? An example to follow?
Verse 13&14: What more can God do to compel the shepherds to come to His bedside? It is not a fluke! He wants you, He loves you! Come! Don’t miss Christmas! Already within hours of Immanuel, God with us, Jesus, born, heaven is exclaiming what His death will accomplish: Peace! Jesus will bring PEACE between God and his handmade creation…. you and I! Those who come to Jesus please God.
Verse 15: Everyone MUST make a choice about Jesus! Each shepherd was invited. Steve couldn’t go for Emil and Phillip couldn’t go for Pete, each one had to choose. From the shepherds long ago, to us today, the same decision is at hand. The same God who made known to the shepherds about His arrival is the same God making Himself known to you today.
Verse 16: God’s Word is True. God was not 1/2 true or mostly true, but completely true. God was not found in a logical place, or how I think He should show up, but He was found where He said He would be. The same is true today. God is found in His Word and His Word is always found to be True.
Verse 17: When I see God is true to me, I can’t help but tell people. He will be true to you! Seek Him! You will find Him, it’s a promise from God.
Verse 18&19: Your personal testimony of what God has done for you is a powerful thing. God turns your mess into His redemption. How God does this, truly is a miracle that only God can do and leaves others speechless.
Verse 20: The shepherds went back to their same job, with their same sheep, on the same night, with their same crew, completely changed. Each shepherd knew that God saw them personally. Each shepherd knew that God saw & loved them so much that He was compelled to come with skin on to bring peace between Him and man. This peace we are all created to know. God’s love for you is relentless; proven by this Christmas story in Luke 2. Truly a compelling compassion.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME NOW? APPLY IT…. TODAY.
Take the lessons you learned and put them into the form of a personal question that you would ask your spouse, or a friend or your son or daughter.
As you write the questions, listen for God to communicate to you through His Word.
*Do not rush. Do not write things down just to have something on paper, this step takes more time that you may think. This is where Scripture meditation becomes real, this is where you begin to hear that still small voice speak to you, and place His finger in your life and begin to direct your paths…. this day, and the next, and the next. Do you trust Him enough to put into place that which He is moving you to?
Verse 13&14: Do you have peace with God? Years ago did you come to Jesus, only to walk away these months or years later? Will you come back this Christmas?
Verse 15: What have you decided about Jesus? (Not deciding is deciding)
Verse 16: Are you in God’s Word? Do you know what God’s Word says to you?
Verse 17: How has (is) God transforming your life with the Truth of His Word?
Verse 18&19: What is your story? How has the story you have wanted to run from and trade in, become your personal story of God’s glory and your redemption?
Verse 20: How has God shown you His relentless love? Changing you internally regardless of the external circumstances you live in? If you do not know how God has revealed Himself to you will you ask Him to reveal it? How did it even come about that you are reading this story of Christmas today? Could it be that God needed you to personally know how much you mean to Him? Will you miss Christmas or go back to work after Christmas Day praising and glorifying God? How has God’s compelling compassion changed you?
LIVE IT OUT!
LORD, show me who You are this season. As I read Your Word, transform my life as only You can do. Still the madness, stress and frustration, and fill that space with You.
Homework: Matthew 5:1-10
Get stuck? www.annegrahamlotz.com and Anne will walk through the Three Questions with you and help you along!.