House Church Questions:

1. Share with each other challenges and blessings experienced this past week.

2. On Sunday, we sang O Come Let Us Adore Him and Christmas Offering. How do these hymns relate to the story of the Magi? How are these hymns meaningful to you at this time of year?

3. A Shocking Question: Lucas said that when the Magi arrived at Jerusalem they asked King Herod “a shocking question” (vv. 1-3). In what way was the Magi's question shocking? As we seek Christ, like the Magi, is there any question we could ask the leaders in our society today that might shock them? Or would it be better not to ask any such questions?

4. A Royal Confrontation: The next few verses (vv. 4-6) describe what Lucas called “a royal confrontation” between King Herod and Jesus, the true king born in Bethlehem. In what ways is King Jesus different from Herod and other human rulers and institutions throughout history and today? In what ways does the Kingdom of God confront and challenge the kingdoms of the world?

5. A Polarizing Response: Compare and contrast the responses of King Herod and the Magi (vv. 6-12) upon hearing that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of Micah's prophecy (Micah 5:2). How do you think today's world leaders would react if a powerful, undeniable announcement came from heaven saying that Christ was returning in exactly one year to take over his rightful authority?

6. Herod the Great ruled for over 30 years and took on many outstanding building projects including the renovation of the second temple. He was also a ruthless tyrant, however, according to historians. By contrast, the kings of Israel were intended to function as shepherd rulers (i.e., Psalm 78:70-71). Discuss several things that you think should characterize shepherd leaders in the church.

7. In what ways do you think the celebration of Christmas in the western world might represent a clash of kingdoms?

8. When we first confessed Jesus as Lord, we no doubt did so with the intention of obeying what he commanded. But when we think of him as the good shepherd, great shepherd, or chief shepherd (John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 5:3-4), what aspects of our relationship with Christ come to mind other than our obedience?