Week_2_-_Working_Draft.docx

of the Sermon**

In this sermon, we explored the life and faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus, looking beyond the familiar Christmas story to consider her background, her courageous response to God, and her ongoing legacy in the church. We began by examining Mary's humble origins in Nazareth—a place so insignificant it was the butt of jokes—and reflected on how God often chooses the overlooked and lowly for His greatest purposes. We then considered the cost and courage of Mary's "yes" to God, recognizing that her faith was not the absence of fear, but trust in the midst of uncertainty and risk. The sermon also addressed the differences and common ground between Catholic and Protestant views of Mary, encouraging respect and understanding across traditions. Finally, we were challenged to respond to God's call in our own lives with the same humility and willingness as Mary, recognizing that the deepest joys and greatest impact come when we say "yes" to God.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God Sees and Chooses the Overlooked Mary’s story reminds us that God’s gaze is drawn not to the powerful or the privileged, but to those the world often overlooks. The cave dwellers of Nazareth, the “trailer trash” of their day, became the setting for the greatest story ever told. This challenges us to reconsider where we look for God’s activity and to trust that our own humble circumstances do not disqualify us from being part of His redemptive work.
• 2. Faith Means Saying Yes in the Face of Fear Mary’s “yes” to God was not a product of certainty or comfort, but of trust in the midst of real risk and potential loss. She faced disgrace, danger, and heartbreak, yet she surrendered her plans to God’s purposes. True faith is not the absence of fear or questions, but the willingness to obey even when the path is unclear and the cost is high.
• 3. Power and Influence Are Meant for Service Both Jesus and Mary model a radical redefinition of greatness: the truly great are those who serve. Whatever influence, resources, or power we possess are not for self-advancement, but for lifting up the lowly and meeting the needs of others. The call to “to whom much is given, much more is expected” invites us to steward our lives for the sake of others, resisting the intoxication of power and embracing humility.
• 4. Unity in Christ Transcends Differences About Mary While Catholics and Protestants may differ in their devotional practices and theological emphases regarding Mary, there is significant common ground: reverence for her faith, gratitude for her role, and agreement on her unique place in salvation history. Rather than allowing these differences to divide, we are invited to honor one another’s perspectives, recognizing that our shared love for Jesus and respect for His mother are greater than our disagreements.
• 5. The Deepest Joys Come from Saying Yes to God Mary’s willingness to embrace God’s call, despite the cost, opened her to unimaginable sorrow but also to the deepest joy—participation in God’s saving work. We, too, are invited to bear Christ’s love and light in the world, to respond to God’s nudges with a humble “yes.” The greatest fulfillment and impact in life are found not in self-protection, but in courageous obedience to God’s voice, trusting that He will use our “yes” for purposes beyond what we can imagine.

1. In Luke 1:26-38, what is Mary’s initial reaction to the angel’s message, and how does she respond after hearing Gabriel’s explanation?
2. According to Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55, what kinds of people does God notice and lift up? What does she say about the powerful and the lowly?
3. In the sermon, what details were shared about Mary’s background and the town of Nazareth? Why is this significant?
4. In Luke 22:24-27, what does Jesus say about power and greatness among his followers?

1. Why might God have chosen someone from a humble, overlooked place like Nazareth to play such a central role in His plan?
2. The sermon described Mary’s “yes” to God as courageous, not comfortable. What does this suggest about the nature of faith and obedience?
3. How does Mary’s story challenge common ideas about who is important or qualified to be used by God?
4. The sermon discussed differences and common ground between Catholics and Protestants regarding Mary. Why is it important for Christians to honor one another’s perspectives, even when they disagree?

1. Mary’s story shows that God often chooses the overlooked and lowly. Have you ever felt overlooked or unqualified? How might God want to use you right where you are?
2. Mary said “yes” to God even though it meant risk, loss, and uncertainty. Is there an area in your life where you sense God nudging you to step out in faith, even if it feels scary or costly? What would it look like to say “yes”?
3. The sermon highlighted that true greatness is found in serving others, not in power or status. What resources, influence, or opportunities do you have that you could use to lift up someone else this week?
4. Think about a time when you made excuses to avoid something you sensed God was calling you to do. What held you back? What might help you respond differently next time?
5. The sermon encouraged respect and understanding between Christians of different traditions. Is there someone in your life whose faith practices or beliefs are different from yours? How could you show them honor and build unity, even if you don’t agree on everything?
6. Mary’s deepest joy came from saying “yes” to God, even though it also brought pain. Can you think of a time when obeying God led to unexpected joy or impact in your life? What did you learn from that experience?
7. The “Give – Serve – Love” initiative is one way to say “yes” together as a church. What is one practical step you could take this week to give, serve, or love in response to God’s call?