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Discipling Every Generation Together

LIFE WITH JESUS

STUDY GUIDE

LIFE WITH JESUS

TASTE AND SEE GOD’S GOODNESS

LIFE WITH JESUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS REFERENCE

ALL ABOUT WONDER TOGETHER..............................................................................X LIFE WITH JESUS STUDY OVERVIEW........................................................................X BEST PRACTICES FOR WONDER TOGETHER.........................................................X

SESSION 1

JESUS IS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE.................................................................... X Scripture: Luke 2:22-40; Isaiah 42:6-7

SESSION 2

JESUS’ BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION...................................................................... XX Scripture: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22; 4:1-13; Deuteronomy 6:13, 16; 8:3

SESSION 3

JESUS CHOOSES HIS FIRST FOLLOWERS............................................................... XX Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, 27-28

SESSION 4

JESUS HEALS A PARALYZED MAN.......................................................................... XX Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

SESSION 5

JESUS SENDS OUT HIS DISCIPLES AND FEEDS A CROWD...................................... XX Scripture: Luke 9:1-17

SESSION 6

JESUS’ FINAL MEAL, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION................................................ XX Scripture: Luke 22:7-24:12

SESSION 7

JESUS APPEARS TO HIS FRIENDS......................................................................... XX Scripture: Luke 24:13-49

CELEBRATE

CELEBRATE TOGETHER: TASTE AND SEE!...............................................................XX Scripture: Psalm 34:8; Colossians 1:15–17; Luke 10:22; Hebrews 1:3

BONUS SCAN FOR ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES, COLORING PAGES, RESOURCES KID’S GUIDES, AND MORE!

BONUS

Resources

LIFE WITH JESUS

JESUS IS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE WONDER TRUTH

SCRIPTURE

Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

Luke 2:22–40; Isaiah 42:6–7

Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises a special servant Messiah who would bring hope to Israel—and the whole world. Many years later, when Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple, Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the promised Messiah and praise God.

SESSION-AT-A-GLANCE ASK: (10–15 minutes) Discussion Questions

“I Wonder” Conversation Starters What’s something you’ve eaten that tasted better than it looked?

Experience Connection

Praying the Wonder Truth

What would you be willing to wait a very long time for? Welcome & Introductions I really hope that Experience Connection Praying Together

DISCOVER: (15–30 minutes) Scripture and Narrative Reading Jesus Is Presented at the Temple

SESSION 1

ENGAGE: (5–10 minutes)

RESPOND: (15–20 minutes) Responding in Wonder 1. Prayer and Reflection: A Song of Praise 2. Imaginative Activity: Re-Acting 3. Art: Rembrandt’s “Simeon’s Song of Praise” Experience Connection Pray, Care, Bless

Experience Connection Retelling the Story (Illustrated Mural)

BONUS

Resources 7

WONDER DEVOTIONAL Take a moment to quiet your heart and make room for wonder…

Life is a game of waiting. As kids, we wait to be tall enough to ride the bigger rides. Then we anticipate getting a driver’s license or later curfew. Soon we’re expectantly waiting for a call that we landed that first “grownup” job after college. Maybe you’ve hopefully waited for a spouse or a child. Or you’ve spent a prayerful night awaiting a late teenager! Some of us are anticipating when to retire, or when grandchildren might arrive. Our ever-present state of watchfulness, wondering, and waiting can make us feel weary. Will all my hopes, needs, and deepest longings ever be met? Simeon and Anna understood the waiting game. God’s people had anticipated the arrival of God’s promised Savior for around 400 years. That’s a lot of waiting! So we can practically feel their joy when God revealed to them that this tiny baby—Jesus—was the fulfillment of His promise. At last! Imagine Simeon’s joy at not only seeing, but holding God’s promise in his arms. What does the promise of Jesus mean to you? What does His arrival satisfy in your soul? How can you rejoice in God’s kept promise? Take a deep breath and breathe out that sigh of relief—of hope held in your hands. Jesus is here! Jody Brolsma Children’s Ministry Leader & Wife Wonder Together Contributor

LIFE WITH JESUS

BIBLE FOUNDATIONS

Genere & Intent

This Gospel is named after its author. Luke writes “an orderly account” of Jesus from eyewitness testimony (1:2–3). Some believe this portion is based on Mary’s recounting. Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amos, though some believe later authors also contributed.

When & Where

Simeon and Anna held faithfully to the hope that was promised in the Messiah. Their words about Jesus echo the words of prophets like Isaiah, who spoke of the suffering servant and of the promised hope of God forgiving and restoring Israel.

Around 4–5 BC, in Roman-controlled Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple in faithfulness to God’s commands. Centuries earlier, Isaiah spoke to God’s people in the context of sixth-century BC Babylonian exile, pointing toward Israel’s restoration through God’s promised servant who would bring hope and light.

Connection

What

Luke’s Gospel account records Jesus’ birth and dedication, showing that His life began as a faithful member of God’s people and as a fulfillment of Messianic promise. Isaiah’s prophetic book incorporates poetry, visions, and oracles depicting God’s anger, warnings, judgment, and restoration of His people.

Who

Explore the background of this session’s Scripture to see the passage in context.

GOD’S BIG STORY: Generations of people found hope in the words of prophets like Isaiah, who foretold of the coming Messiah. Luke records testimony of people who witnessed this fulfillment firsthand, highlighting the Scriptural themes of God’s faithful love, justice, and restoration of all things.

ENGAGE

WONDER TRUTH

SCRIPTURE

DURATION

Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

5–10 minutes

Luke 2:22–40; Isaiah 42:6–7

“I WONDER” CONVERSATION STARTERS

During the session, read bolded words aloud and look for these designations:

As you gather, choose a prompt to help you connect. Feel free to write, draw, or color as you go! (Printable coloring pages anyone can use are available in the Bonus Resources.)

Good for groups with younger members The “can’t miss” question

I wonder… • What’s something you’ve eaten that tasted better than it looked?

LEADER TIP

• What would you be willing to wait a very long time for? Leader Tip: Before the session, display the “I Wonder” prompts in a consistent spot, such as on a whiteboard or note cards. Set out writing and coloring utensils and scan the QR code to download and print optional coloring pages.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Welcome one another! Each person in the family of God—no matter how young or old—has God living in them! We all bring something different to the group, and every contribution is equally valuable. Create a culture where everyone is honored by establishing shared principles for your group and revisiting them before each session. Find suggested principles in the Best Practices for Wonder Together. Take a moment to introduce yourselves, even if you already know one another. This simple welcome helps everyone feel seen and valued. You can introduce yourself in any way you’d like. Consider trying this prompt: How would you complete this sentence? I really hope that _________.

Have kids with you? Give each one a Kid’s Guide so they can follow along and join in. 10

LIFE WITH JESUS

BONUS

Resources

EXPERIENCE CONNECTION PRAYING TOGETHER Declare God’s truth together in a way that works for your group, then invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time in Scripture. Invite one person (of any age!) to read each line of the Declaration while everyone else repeats it back or read all the lines in unison. Then pray together using the prayer provided or your own words.

DECLARATION

PRAYER

Thank You, God, that You are good! (Repeat)

Faithful God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus as a light in the darkness and our hope on the hardest days. As we discover more about Jesus’ life, give us a glimpse of Your face and a deeper understanding of Your love. Help us to taste and see Your goodness! You are welcome here! Speak, God, we are listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You made us on purpose, for a purpose. (Repeat) Because of Jesus, we are Yours! (Repeat) You know us, love us, and lead us. (Repeat) You open blind eyes and set captives free, (Repeat) And You are our bright hope in darkness. (Repeat)

LEADER TIP

Our lives can tell of Your wonder! (Repeat) Scan the Bonus Resources QR code for additional activities you can use as the session begins

BONUS

Resources

DISCOVER

WONDER TRUTH Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

SCRIPTURE

DURATION 15–30 minutes

Luke 2:22–40; Isaiah 42:6–7

SCRIPTURE AND NARRATIVE READING Discover more about God and His story as you engage imaginatively with Scripture! Open your Bibles to: Luke 2:22–40; Isaiah 42:6–7. (Sticky notes can be helpful for marking each passage.) Read the Wonder Truth together: Jesus offers hope to the whole world. Then choose the Bible discovery option that works best for your group and timeframe. (Find more ways to engage multiple senses during storytelling in Best Practices for Wonder Together.)

Bible Discovery Option 1

LISTEN TWICE AND WONDER DEEPLY 1. One person reads the account from the Bible while everyone listens and follows along. 2. One person reads Wonder Deeply to prepare everyone for fresh insights and wonder during the second reading.

WONDER DEEPLY When Mary is pregnant with Jesus, she is called blessed because she “believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her” (Luke 1:45). Although she believed that God would do as the angel promised, Mary didn’t know what it would look like to have a son who is God’s chosen Messiah. She marveled at Simeon’s words about Jesus as a light to the Gentiles but struggled to understand when 12-year-old Jesus explained that He had to be in His “Father’s house” (2:50). Jesus later says that, instead of His mother being blessed to bear Him, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). As you listen to the account again, wonder about… • How Mary was blessed for hearing the word of God and obeying it • How the sword that pierces Mary’s soul might be tied to recognizing Jesus as Messiah • How belief and hope can change and grow

LIFE WITH JESUS

3. One person reads the account from the Narrative provided while everyone listens with the Wonder Deeply prompts in mind.

Bible Discovery Option 2

LISTEN TWICE 1. One person reads the account from the Bible while everyone listens and follows along. 2. One person reads the account from the Narrative provided. As you listen, close your eyes and imagine the scene—noticing what you hear, see, smell, and feel—or draw an image that stands out to you. (To simplify, read the account just one time from the Bible or the Narrative while everyone imagines the scene.)

NARRATIVE: JESUS IS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE Hearing Scripture in everyday language can reveal new insights or remind us of familiar truths! The Narrative retells the Bible passage in simple language, crafted by pastors and theologians. May it open our eyes to new wonders in God’s Word! Long ago, God’s people—Israel—had drifted away from God. They were no longer living the way He had taught them to live. Then their enemies attacked their land and took the people far away to Babylon. Exiled and captive in a foreign land, the people longed for hope. They longed to hear from the very God they had turned away from. But God had not forgotten His people. He wanted to assure them that yes, there is hope. So He sent a prophet, a messenger named Isaiah to comfort His people. Isaiah told them about a servant who would one day come to rescue God’s people from darkness and captivity. This servant would “open eyes that can’t see [and] set prisoners free” (Isaiah 42:7 NIrV). God was doing something new. He had promised that hope would come through His people, Israel, but it would not only be for them. Isaiah prophesied that this servant “will put into effect my covenant with the people of Israel. And […] will be a light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6b NIrV). The servant Messiah would offer salvation to the whole world. God’s people listened to Isaiah, and they began to wait. And wait. About 70 years later, they returned home from Babylon. But still, they waited for the promised Messiah. Many went about their business as usual, but some people remembered what God said through Isaiah and kept waiting in hope. Day after day they prayed and fasted and

LEADER TIP

worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem. Until one seemingly ordinary day, about 700 years after Isaiah told of the coming servant, when something amazing happened. On that day an old man named Simeon went to the temple courts. Simeon loved God and trusted Him. He had been waiting a long time for God to keep His promise and bring hope to Israel. The Holy Spirit—God’s presence—was with Simeon that day when he looked up and saw a young couple bringing their newborn into the temple courts. The young couple Simeon saw was Mary and Joseph. They had traveled to the temple in Jerusalem with their firstborn son, Jesus. Old Testament Law required parents to bring an offering and to dedicate their child to the Lord. Mary and Joseph were faithful and devout Jews—people of Israel. As they entered the temple courts, Simeon approached them, took the baby in his arms, and began praising God. “Lord, you are the King over all,” Simeon said. “Now let me, your servant, go in peace. […] My eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the sight of all nations. It is a light to be given to the Gentiles. It will be the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32 NIrV). Mary and Joseph were amazed! Simeon blessed them and said directly to Mary, “The child is going to cause many people in Israel to fall and to rise. God has sent him. But many [people] will speak against him. […] A sword will wound your own soul too” (Luke 2:34–35 NIrV). Mary’s heart would feel deep pain because of what was ahead. This baby was God’s promised rescuer, but the road He would walk would not be easy or smooth. There would be glory, and there would be pain. That day in the temple courts there was another person faithfully waiting, an 84-year-old prophet named Anna. For most of her life, Anna had worshiped day and night at the temple, fasting and praying and believing God’s promise to someday send the Messiah. When she saw young Jesus, she knew that “someday” had come. Anna couldn’t contain her excitement and spoke of the special child to all the others who were waiting and looking forward to God’s promise to Israel and to the world. When Simeon and Anna saw Jesus, they understood right away that He was no ordinary baby. Jesus was the One God had promised, the servant Messiah who would offer salvation to God’s people, and to all people— including us! Through Jesus, God was showing us what He is like and offering hope to everyone. Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

During the Life with Jesus study, memorize Psalm 34:8 together! Scan the Bonus Resources QR code for fun ways to write God’s Word on your minds and hearts

LIFE WITH JESUS

BONUS

Resources

EXPERIENCE CONNECTION RETELLING SCRIPTURE TOGETHER (You’ll need a sheet of posterboard, butcher paper, or multiple sheets of paper taped together, along with coloring or drawing utensils.))

WONDER TIP

Experience Scripture another way! Work together to retell the account using a large mural of illustrations. Pair up with partners, and coordinate among the pairs so that each pair is responsible for drawing a different part of the story on the posterboard or large paper. (If possible, find a partner who’s at least 10 years older or younger than you.) Then retell the story in order, with each pair telling the part of the story their drawings illustrate. The focus isn’t to remember every detail from Scripture perfectly but for everyone to participate through drawing and retelling the story!

Sometimes people who speak up less during discussion find their “voice” in creative activities like these! If anyone seems anxious about a less formal, openended activity like this, reassure the group that this is a chance to risk and brainstorm creatively while working together.

ASK

WONDER TRUTH Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

DURATION 15–30 minutes

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:22–40; Isaiah 42:6–7

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Keep your Bibles open as you explore one or more of these questions together. Share your thoughts and learn from one another. Consider forming smaller groups before coming back together to share what you noticed. What word or phrase caught your attention in today’s reading? What image came to mind? What do you think God is showing you about Himself?

Where were God’s people when God sent Isaiah to comfort them? Why was Israel there?

What did God promise His people through Isaiah? What does God’s promise show us about what He is like? The Temple was a huge set of buildings full of ornate decor, sounds of worship, and smells of smoke and incense. In that multisensory space, Simeon holds a baby and announces that the Messiah has arrived. How do you imagine people close enough to hear and see this may have felt?

LIFE WITH JESUS

What’s the difference between wishing for something good to happen and having hope for something God has promised? Who in today’s reading had this type of hope?

In Psalm 34:8, David writes, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” The Hebrew word for taste can also mean discern, as when the ear “tastes” words to test their truth (Job 12:11; 34:3). How might Simeon’s words have “tasted” to Mary, Joseph, or others awaiting the Messiah? What word or promise from God is hard for you to swallow because it seems impossible to fulfill? What truth about God can help you remember that He is good and that you can keep hoping in Him?

EXPERIENCE CONNECTION PRAYING THE WONDER TRUTH Pray these words as a call-and-response with everyone participating! One person or a small group can lead as Group 1 while everyone else responds as Group 2. (Pre-readers can learn the Group 2 line and say it from memory.) Group 1:

When we keep showing up day after day but grow tired of waiting...

Group 2:

Jesus offers hope.

Group 1:

When we can’t see what God is doing but choose to trust Him anyways ...

Group 2:

Jesus offers hope.

Group 1:

May people everywhere come to know that...

Group 2:

Jesus offers hope...

All:

Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

RESPOND

WONDER TRUTH Jesus offers hope to the whole world.

DURATION 10–15 minutes

Spiritual practices intentionally create space for the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus! Choose one or more of these activities to respond to what you’re discovering about God:

WONDER TIP

RESPONDING IN WONDER

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:22–40; Isaiah 42:6–7

As a group, consider singing “As We Wait” or “God Is Here” by Worship for Everyone, which are on the Life with Jesus Spotify playlist.

PRAYER AND REFLECTION: A SONG OF PRAISE (You’ll need paper and writing utensils.) Simeon’s words in Luke 2 are commonly referred to as Simeon’s Song. And while Scripture doesn’t tell us that Simeon sang the words, for centuries many people in the church have treated his words as a canticle, or a hymn or song of praise. Reread Simeon’s words in Luke 2:29–32. Then write your own song to Jesus. It can be a prayer, a poem, a paragraph, or song lyrics. Who is Jesus to you? How has He revealed Himself in your life? How has He brought hope to you—and to the world? Consider using these prompts to get started: • Jesus, You are... • You bring hope by... • I praise You because...

SPOTIFY

If you’re struggling to write your own song, pull out some of the words from Simeon’s song and rearrange them in a new song or write about what they make you think or feel—how they “taste” in your mind or mouth!

LIFE WITH JESUS

EXPERIENCE CONNECTION PRAY, CARE, BLESS Take a few minutes to share prayer requests and praises. What needs do you have? How can we pray for you? How can we care for you? Then pray for one another. Next, send each other out with blessing! Find a partner (of any age!) to bless. Address your partner by name, and choose one of these blessings to read over them: Blessing Option 1: [Name], “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Blessing Option 2: [Name], when you put your hope in Jesus, you will remain steady in the middle of life’s storms—He is the anchor for your soul. With Him, You are loved. You are secure. (from Hebrews 6:19)

LEADER TIP

Blessing Option 3: [Name], Jesus, who loves you, offers hope to you and to the whole world!

Consider making the actual sharing of requests and praises a form of prayer. Choose a phrase from Scripture to say together each time someone shares, such as, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good”

LIFE WITH JESUS

BONUS

Resources