Big Idea

God goes out of his way to make room for those who feel most excluded.

Scripture

Luke 2:1-20

Opening Questions

1. How have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. others recently?
2. How do you prefer to engage others at a party? Are you the life of the party, or would you rather connect with one or two people off to the side?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Luke 2:1-20. What stands out to you in this text?
4. In first-century Judea, shepherds were at the bottom of society’s power scale. The job was not an easy one. It involved long hours, including late nights and early mornings. Shepherds also had a bad reputation as brawlers and non-conformists, ill-mannered and uneducated, living on the edge of society. Shepherds were not allowed to enter the temple for worship because their close contact with animals left them ceremonially unclean. What do you think Luke is trying to say about the excluded as he includes them in the story of Jesus?

Life Application

5. Author John Ortberg writes, “Jesus consistently championed the excluded. His inclusion of women led to a community to which women flocked in disproportionate numbers. Slaves—up to a third of ancient populations—might wander into a church fellowship and have a slave-owner wash their feet rather than beat them. One ancient text instructed bishops to not interrupt worship to greet a wealthy attender, but to sit on the floor to welcome the poor.” In what ways do you need to hear that message?
6. Who in your life might need to hear Jesus’ message of inclusion?
7. What small steps can you take to include others this season and into the new year?