NBC Sunday School Manual For December 24, 2023 :Topic – THE FAITH OF ELIZABETH AND MARY.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme for the Month: “PROFILE OF FAITH.”
DATE: SUNDAY, 24TH DECEMBER, 2023.
TOPIC: THE FAITH OF ELIZABETH AND MARY.
Devotional Reading: Philippians 4:10-19.
Background Scripture: Luke 1:1-25, 39-45, 56-60.
Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:36-45, 56.
GOLDEN TEXT:
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women…” Luke 1:41-42a
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Identify areas of Elizabeth and Mary’s peculiar circumstance that indicate their faith in God;
● Identify the reasons Mary visited Elizabeth;
● Express belief in God’s ability to fulfil His promises in their lives in His time.
INTRODUCTION:
There is a common saying that ‘Pregnancy cannot be hidden for long before it announces itself.’ The announcement especially at the early stage is usually handled differently depending on the culture. In many African tribes, in its early stage, pregnancy is kept secret and left to announce itself in due course except very close and immediate family members and friends are told about the news. In contrast, in some western cultures, pregnancy is made known quite early to family members, friends and work acquaintances without delay. Nevertheless, the news of the conception of a child brings great joy from desirous families and their loved ones and so much is done for the preparation of the arrival of the awaited child. Having surrendered to the will of God, Mary decided to affirm the promise of God by visiting her cousin Elizabeth who was already six months pregnant as announced by the angel. The meeting of the two women was of special significance because they had much to share in common about the faithfulness of God.
The focus of today’s lesson is the faith of Elizabeth and Mary. It confirms the reality of God’s power and His enduring promises irrespective of timing and natural limitations. Just as Mary found a kindred spirit in her relationship with Elizabeth, so also we can find spiritual encouragement, comfort and support from those who share the same faith with us in God.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED…
A. MARY ACCEPTS DIVINE ASSIGNMENT:
[Luke 1:36-38]
Mary was a virgin who lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. She was betrothed to Joseph a descendant of David. Though they lived separately. Suddenly, an angel appeared and announced to her that she will bear a son who will be named Jesus, the Son of the Most High. The angel also told her the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception of the Saviour because what will happen to her is beyond human comprehension. In order to further encourage her faith about the divine assignment, the angel announced Elizabeth’s pregnancy. He said to her, “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” (vv. 36-37). With strong faith and determination, Mary accepted the divine assignment and answered, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ (v. 38).
From the passage, it is most likely that the reference to Elizabeth’s pregnancy in verse 36 was to inspire her faith to accept the divine assignment of becoming the mother of the Saviour of the world. In other words, if God had made it possible for Elizabeth to be pregnant even though she had passed the age of child bearing, then Mary must have believed she conceive through the Holy Spirit even as a virgin. Of course, Mary’s response in verse 38 was of faith and trust in God’s ability to fulfil His promises. Consequently, Mary’s faith should be a model for believers in responding to God’s call be it through angels, prophets, individual, or through the reading of the Scriptures. Even though what is to be done seem impossible. One great lesson believers should learn from Mary’s experience is that whenever God calls, it is to a great height and honour. He does not call anyone without a purpose. Without doubt, Mary was a woman of faith. She did not mind the risk or shame she was likely to face (Deuteronomy 22:20-22). She surrendered her life and willingly responded to God’s call to be used as the instrument through whom the Saviour of the world will be born.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss Mary’s response to the angel’s message and its implication for believers in Christ.
2. Let the class members discuss an instance when they yielded to God’s call regardless of other people’s negative opinions.
B. AFFIRMATION OF THE PROMISE:
[Luke 1:39-45; 56]
Mary understood the message of the angel and accepted the call to be used of the Lord for a divine purpose. Thereafter, she embarked on a journey from Nazareth her hometown to visit her cousin Elizabeth in Judea, a journey of about 100 kilometres west of Jerusalem. Two reason are attributed to her purpose of travelling: to confirm the message of the angel about Elizabeth’s pregnancy and to share her own testimony of becoming the mother of the Saviour of the world.
With excitement, she entered into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. According to verse 41, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, immediately, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she began to prophesy saying, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (v.42). This declaration was an affirmation of God’s promise to Mary through the angel as well as a display of supernatural and extraordinary affection for the unborn child. Elizabeth considered herself favoured to host the mother of the Saviour. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months probably as mutual support and encouragement before she returned to her hometown afterwards (v.56).
Mary’s actions in these few verses confirmed that she believed the message of the angel. Consequently, that may necessitate the urgency with which she made the journey to her cousin Elizabeth’s house to further confirm the angel’s message. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit revealed the divinity of the unborn child as the Son of God and King of Israel to Elizabeth. Therefore, her question in verse 43 was an acknowledgment of the supremacy of Mary’s child as Lord over her and her child. Her words in verse 45 was an admonition to Mary to believe the message of the angel which she referred to as a message from the Lord.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss the significance of the baby in Elizabeth’s womb that leaped at the sound of Mary’s voice (v.41).
2. Discuss the three unique things about the person of Christ from the angel’s message and Elizabeth’s words to Mary.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
● Let each class member witness to the uniqueness of Christ to those who are yet to accept Christ during this Christmas season.
Take Home: Write down three (3) lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson:
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Based on today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to trust God to fulfil His promises in your life.
Happy Sunday in Advance.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!