Message Big Idea

When life feels uncertain, we don’t have to fear because Jesus is King.

Scripture

Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:26-35, Matthew 1:20-25, John 18:36-37

Icebreaker & Opening Thought

1. What brings out your pessimistic side?
2. God’s people have always faced times of uncertainty. For instance, the people of Judah met a great deal of uncertainty after the death of Uzziah, the king, and the threat of war to the north (chapters 7-9 of Isaiah). Similarly, in the first century, Israel was facing uncertainty about the future of their nation. How do you face uncertainty in your everyday life?

Bible Application

3. Read Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:20-25, and Luke 1:26-35. What kind of uncertainties would Mary be facing after this surprise meeting with the angel?
4. What reasons for faith did she have?
5. Read John 18:33-37. The crown of thorns on Jesus’ head was a victor’s crown. The crown was intended to mock Jesus, but ironically it was telling the truth about Jesus and his victory? How might this help us to have faith in the midst of uncertainty?

Life Application

6. Corrie Ten Boom wrote, “When a train goes through a tunnel, and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” Describe a time when you experienced going through a tunnel. What was helpful to you at that time?
7. When we face uncertainty, we are sometimes tempted to offer easy answers to people who are suffering or afraid. Instead of giving easy answers, how could we help one another during times of difficulty?
8. What kind of uncertainty are you facing now? How is your experience shaping you?

Challenge

At the center of our faith is a story about resurrection from the dead! Jesus triumphed over all that’s wrong and broken in our world through his death, burial, and resurrection. We are not promised easy answers to all of our chaos, but we are promised the presence of Jesus. After the sharing from question eight, invite the Holy Spirit to speak and minister to everyone in the group, and then close the time by saying a brief prayer for everyone in the group.