Vantage Point
A Christmas Lesson
Name that Christmas tune!!
Matthew 1 & Luke 2
• The books of Matthew and Luke were written by
(surprise!) Matthew & Luke.
• Matthew was one of Jesus’ disciples (also called Levi).
• Luke was a Gentile (non-Jew) physician who also
wrote the Book of Acts.
• Written fairly close to one another, sometime in the
late 50’s or early 60’s AD.
– So, about 20 or 30 years after Jesus’ death and
resurrection.
Matthew 1:18-25
As you hear this story, and have heard it in the past,
what would you say are the most important or essential
parts of the story?
In your own words, why do you
think they are essential?
Luke 2:8-20
How did the shepherds immediately
respond to the angels’ message?
What clues do we have about their overall attitude
toward the news of this miraculous event?
Describe their reactions upon seeing
the baby, Jesus.
Matthew 2:1-12
How did the wise men come to
know about Jesus?
What does this say about their
attitude toward Jesus?
Look at verses 9-12. How do we see the magi
reacting to their encounter with Christ?
How did Herod initially react to the
Magi’s question?
If you knew the back-story, you would know that Herod was
a ruthless, power-hungry ruler. Knowing this, why might
Herod be “disturbed” at the emergence of a new “King”?
The Shepherds
• Where do you see this occur in your world
today?
• How might someone unexpectedly find
themselves hearing about Jesus and coming
to belief?
The Magi
• Have you ever known of anyone who came to
know Christ this way?
• If people are searching for truth, or for
meaning, or to know more about Christ, what
are some ways they might learn more about
who Jesus is?
Herod
• Where in your world do you encounter people
who are hostile to the message of Christ?
• Why do you think some people reject Christ
and the message He brings?
• It seems that when it comes to Jesus, people
are either compelled to worship or they reject
Him outright. What is it about Jesus that
causes such strong reactions in people?
shepherds
Unexpected Encounter
magi
Anticipated Encounter
herod
Hostile Encounter
Merry Christmas