Small Group Questions
Luke 1:5-45, John 15:11, and John 16:19-22
1. What was the circumstance of Elizabeth before this passage (Luke 1:6-7, 25)? Similarly, name examples in our modern time when it seems ‘bad things happen to good people.’
2. When did Elizabeth consider that God had uniquely bestowed favor upon her? (Luke 1:24-25, 43-44)? When has God uniquely acted in your life?
3. Take note of the mentions of joy in Luke 1:13-15 and John 16:20-22. What seems to be different about how the Bible speaks of joy from the way our world usually does? What is it about the coming of a baby that brings both pain and joy? Similarly, what else in your life brings that kind of joy?
4. What happens to Elizabeth when she is visited by Mary along with Jesus in her womb (Luke 1:41-45)? What happens to the baby John in Elizabeth’s womb? How are these hallmarks of genuine encounters with Jesus?
5. Considering Luke 1:45, what is the promise Jesus makes to us in John 16:19-22? What other promises are in Scripture about our eternal destiny? To explore deeper how to obtain Jesus’ joy within you, read the wider passage
of John 15:9-13.