Message: The Outsider God
Speaker: Greg Holder
"But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ."
Ephesians 2:13
Read
Matthew 1:1-16; Isaiah 53:3; Ruth 1:16
Reflect
1. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why do you like it?
2. What stood out to you from the story of Ruth and Boaz? What connections do you see between Ruth's story and the story of Jesus?
3. Think about a time when you were on the outside looking in. Would you be willing to share your experience?
Do
Consider reading the book of Ruth this week! It's only 4 chapters.
While you're reading, reflect on the grace of a God who made a way for you to not be on the outside but to be welcomed back home.
Go Deeper
1. What is most difficult for you to believe about the story of Jesus's birth? Why do you think that is?
2. What feelings come up when you consider that our Savior, Jesus, knows what it's like to be on the outside looking in?
3. Tell about a time when someone responded just the way you needed them to in a difficult time.