Week 1: The Unexpected Kingنموونە

The Gospel is the good news for the world that the one true God has fulfilled his past promises to seek and save the lost. Through his birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus, the Savior, brings forgiveness of our sins, transformation in the present, and hope for the future.

This week, we will begin our journey through the Gospel by reflecting on the significance and scandalous nature of Jesus’ birth.

The events in today’s passage had been anxiously anticipated by the children of Israel for generations, but no one expected that God would fulfill his promises of sending a Savior-King in this way. Jesus’ divine conception disrupted the status quo among believers and set the precedent for the upside down kingdom he would usher in.

As you read, pay attention to references that point back to the Old Testament (i.e. David, Abraham, Israel). These are not meaningless name-drops; they highlight Jesus’ role as the connective tissue between God’s promises and humanity’s hope. Also, notice how Jesus’ birth is a reversal of the world’s values and standards of status. Mary’s song emphasizes the purposes Jesus would later serve: to elevate the humble and serve the lowly.

Read: Luke 1:26-38; 1:47-55

Reflection Questions

1. How is God speaking to me through these verses?
2. What does this set of verses teach me about God?
3. What does this show me about the good news of Jesus?
4. How can I apply what I read today?