These questions are used for personal contemplation or to discuss with a friend/spouse/small group.

Messianic promises/prophecies

Abraham - Gen 12:3  

Issac - Gen 17:9,

Jacob - Gen 27:29  

Judah - Gen 49:10

David - 2 Sam 7:12-13

Why are these prophesies important or significant? 

How do you imagine the people of Mary’s time would have reacted to the news that the long awaited Messiah would be born?

Mary shows that we can bring our honest inquiries to God. Do you have any honest questions for God?

God wanted to confirm this to Mary and gave her a sign - Elizabeth was pregnant. Why do you think God gave her this confirmation?

Mary called herself maidservant, the lowest servant in a household. (This is the feminine version of bondservant). How does her surrender and attitude of obedience challenge or inspire you?

What did this obedience cost Mary?

What might your obedience cost you?

Unity with other believers is revealed through the fellowship of Mary and Elizabeth. Are there ways God may be prompting you to connect with other believers outside your demographic?

[from the Valley of Vision; God's Cause, pg. 175]

Lord, use me as thou wilt,

do with me what thou wilt;

but, O, promote thy cause,

let thy kingdom come,

let thy blessed interest be advanced in this world!

O do thou bring in great numbers to Jesus!

let me see that glorious day,

and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;

let me be willing to die to that end;

and while I live let me labour for thee

to the utmost of my strength,

spending time profitably in this work,

both in health and in weakness.

It is thy cause and kingdom I long for, not my own.

O, answer thou my request!

This is only a set of ideas. Overlay these ideas with the knowledge and experience you have of your specific family.

Table Talk Prompt for Luke 1:33-38

Read Together: Start by reading Luke 1:33-38 together as a family. Take turns reading a verse or two to get everyone involved.

Kickoff Question:

• “Mary was told she’d be part of God’s amazing plan. How do you think she felt when she heard that?”

Discussion Starters for All Ages:

• For Younger Kids (Ages 4-7):
• “What did Mary say when the angel told her about God’s plan? What would you say if you got a message like that?”
• “Why do you think the angel told Mary not to be afraid?”
• For Middle Kids (Ages 8-11):
• “Mary asked the angel how all this could happen. Why do you think she had questions?”
• “What do you think it means when Mary says, ‘I am the Lord’s servant’? What does being a servant mean?”
• For Older Kids and Teens (Ages 12+):
• “Mary agreed to be part of God’s plan even though it was surprising and hard. What does this tell us about her faith and trust in God?”
• Are there other examples you can think of where is God asking someone to be part of a plan that seems surprising and hard?
• “Gabriel says, ‘Nothing is impossible with God.’ How can that help us when we face something that seems too big or difficult?”

Family Connection Moment:

• Take turns sharing one time you felt unsure about something but decided to try it anyway. What helped you go forward even when it was challenging?