Faith and Community: Lessons from Mary and Elizabeth
Summary
In this Christmas message, we explore the unique perspectives of the Gospel writers on the Christmas story, focusing particularly on the Gospel of Luke and the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. While each Gospel offers a different angle on the birth of Jesus, Luke provides a detailed account of the miraculous pregnancies of both women, highlighting their shared journey despite their differences. Elizabeth, married to a priest and considered righteous, faced the stigma of childlessness in her old age. In contrast, Mary, a young virgin engaged to Joseph, was visited by an angel and told she would bear the Son of God. Despite their different life stages, both women experienced unexpected pregnancies that brought them together in a profound way.
The narrative emphasizes the importance of community and shared faith journeys. Elizabeth and Mary, though initially having little in common, found solace and strength in each other’s company. Their time together allowed them to encourage one another to believe in the miraculous, trust God amidst uncertainties, and focus on God's worthiness rather than their own. This story illustrates that faith develops best in community, where believers can support and affirm each other’s experiences of God’s work in their lives.
The message concludes with a call to action, encouraging us to be part of a faith community where we can both give and receive support. As we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded of the opportunities to share God’s grace and truth with those around us, and to seek out community for our own spiritual growth. The upcoming opportunities in January for small groups and programs are highlighted as ways to deepen our connections and faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Community in Faith: Elizabeth and Mary’s story shows that faith flourishes in community. Their shared journey of unexpected pregnancies highlights the importance of having someone who believes in God’s work in you, especially when others doubt. This community support is crucial for spiritual growth and encouragement. [43:32]
2. Believing the Unbelievable: Both Elizabeth and Mary experienced miraculous pregnancies that seemed impossible. Their story teaches us to believe in the unbelievable and trust in God’s power to perform miracles in our lives, even when circumstances seem improbable. [45:55]
3. Trusting God with Our Questions: Life’s journey often brings challenges and uncertainties, as seen in Mary’s experiences. Trusting God with our questions and struggles is essential, and having someone to share these with can provide strength and perspective. [56:50]
4. Focusing on God’s Worthiness: Mary and Elizabeth’s humility and focus on God’s greatness remind us that our faith story is about God’s work, not our own achievements. Recognizing God as the hero of our story keeps our focus on His worthiness and grace. [01:02:25]
5. Opportunities for Community Engagement: The Christmas season and beyond offer chances to engage in community, share God’s grace, and support others in their faith journey. Participating in small groups or programs can help us grow spiritually and connect with others. [01:04:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:11] - Different Gospel Perspectives
- [30:49] - Elizabeth's Story
- [32:34] - The Stigma of Childlessness
- [33:29] - Introduction to Mary
- [35:52] - Unexpected Pregnancies
- [37:12] - Elizabeth's Seclusion
- [39:03] - Angelic Announcement to Mary
- [40:35] - Mary Visits Elizabeth
- [43:32] - Faith in Community
- [44:36] - Believing the Unbelievable
- [46:46] - Trusting God with Questions
- [49:20] - The Importance of Belief
- [51:00] - Supporting Others in Faith
- [55:52] - Challenges in Mary’s Journey
- [58:36] - Focusing on God’s Worthiness
- [01:02:25] - God as the Hero
- [01:03:03] - Call to Community Engagement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:5-45
- Isaiah 7:14
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key differences between Elizabeth and Mary as described in Luke 1? How do these differences highlight the uniqueness of their shared experience? [30:49]
2. How does the angel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 emphasize the miraculous nature of her pregnancy? [39:57]
3. What reasons are given for Elizabeth's five-month seclusion after becoming pregnant, and what might this suggest about her experience? [37:12]
4. How does Elizabeth's reaction to Mary's visit demonstrate her belief in the miraculous events surrounding both their pregnancies? [49:20]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth illustrate the importance of community in nurturing faith, especially during challenging times? [43:32]
2. In what ways does the story of Elizabeth and Mary encourage believers to trust in God's power to perform miracles, even when circumstances seem impossible? [45:55]
3. How does Mary's response to the angel's message reflect a willingness to trust God with her questions and uncertainties? [39:57]
4. What does Mary's song (Luke 1:46-55) reveal about her understanding of God's worthiness and her role in His story? [01:00:36]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a challenge or uncertainty. How did community support play a role in your faith journey during that time? [43:32]
2. Are there areas in your life where you find it difficult to believe in the unbelievable? How can Elizabeth and Mary's story inspire you to trust in God's power? [45:55]
3. What questions or struggles are you currently facing that you need to trust God with? How can sharing these with a faith community provide strength and perspective? [56:50]
4. How can you shift your focus from your own achievements to recognizing God's work in your life, as demonstrated by Mary and Elizabeth? [01:02:25]
5. As we enter the Christmas season, what specific steps can you take to engage more deeply with your faith community and support others in their spiritual journey? [01:04:15]
6. Identify someone in your life who might benefit from your support and encouragement in their faith journey. How can you reach out to them this week? [01:03:03]
7. Consider joining a small group or program in January. How might this help you grow spiritually and connect with others in your faith community? [01:04:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Strength of Shared Faith
In the story of Elizabeth and Mary, we see two women brought together by miraculous circumstances. Elizabeth, once stigmatized for her childlessness, and Mary, a young virgin, both find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. Despite their differences, they form a bond that transcends their individual situations. Their shared journey highlights the power of community in nurturing faith. When faced with the unbelievable, having someone who believes in God's work in you is invaluable. This community support is crucial for spiritual growth and encouragement, as it allows individuals to share their experiences and affirm each other's faith. [43:32]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to for mutual encouragement in your faith journey today?
Day 2: Embracing the Miraculous
Elizabeth and Mary both experienced pregnancies that defied human logic. Elizabeth conceived in her old age, while Mary, a virgin, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Their stories remind us that God can perform miracles in our lives, even when circumstances seem impossible. Believing in the unbelievable requires faith and trust in God's power. It challenges us to look beyond our limitations and embrace the possibilities that God presents. [45:55]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to trust God for a miracle today?
Day 3: Trusting Amidst Uncertainty
Mary's journey was filled with uncertainties and questions. Yet, she chose to trust God with her future. Trusting God with our questions and struggles is essential, and having someone to share these with can provide strength and perspective. Mary's story encourages us to bring our doubts and fears to God, knowing that He is faithful to guide us through life's challenges. [56:50]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one question or uncertainty you need to bring to God today, and who can you share this with for support?
Day 4: Recognizing God's Greatness
Mary and Elizabeth's humility and focus on God's greatness remind us that our faith story is about God's work, not our own achievements. By recognizing God as the hero of our story, we keep our focus on His worthiness and grace. This perspective shifts our attention from our limitations to God's limitless power and love. [01:02:25]
"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your own achievements to God's greatness in your life today?
Day 5: Engaging in Faith Community
The Christmas season and beyond offer opportunities to engage in community, share God's grace, and support others in their faith journey. Participating in small groups or programs can help us grow spiritually and connect with others. These connections provide a space for mutual encouragement and spiritual growth, allowing us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. [01:04:15]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to engage more deeply with your faith community?
Quotes
"Mary and Elizabeth were on a similar journey with an unexpected pregnancy. And on that journey, they would benefit from spending time with each other to prepare them for the rest of the journey." [00:43:32] (24 seconds)
"Because what happened to Elizabeth was pretty unbelievable, right? I suppose we could call it improbable because we don't know exactly how old she was, and it was a man and a woman, and maybe just as an old lady, she had a baby." [00:44:36] (14 seconds)
"Faith develops in the context of people who've had experiences that you can learn from and relate to." [00:50:12] (14 seconds)
"And it makes a difference when you have someone else in your life to say, let me tell you about my life experience. And learn from me. Be strengthened by me as we go through this together." [00:56:50] (18 seconds)
"I think they encouraged each other to focus on God's worthiness and not theirs. Because wouldn't it just humanly be a little tempting for the two of them to look at each other and say, We're special, aren't we?" [01:02:25] (18 seconds)
"I think one of the features of special, one of the features, one of Mary and Elizabeth and the time they spent together, I think they were just so overwhelmed by what God was doing that they had reason to keep giving praise to him and there was no focus on themselves but a focus on God." [01:03:03] (28 seconds)
"I know that tough times come, but I know that God is still there and let me tell you my story. We need people. And other people need us." [01:04:58] (17 seconds)
"Because in January at Constance, there's opportunities to be involved in a new small group, in a rooted program. And if you're a person who's saying, honestly, I'm just not as connected as I should be, I need that kind of support." [01:05:46] (16 seconds)
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