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The Upside Down Gospel: The Book of Luke Session 2

by Chris Woodard on September 16, 2020


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Session 2 PP

This week, we focused in on the birth and childhood of Jesus described in Luke 1:5-Luke 2:52. 

Throughout our Session 2 study, we will answer the questions below: 

  1.  What is Luke seeking to emphasize through the details he chooses to tell of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story?
  2. How does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth prepare us for the story of the conception and birth of Jesus?
  3. In what ways are the stories of Zechariah and Mary similar and different?
  4. What is the political or royal meaning that Luke gives the event in verses 26-38?
  5. What characteristics of God does Mary’s song highlight?
  6. What similarities and differences do you see between Mary’s song and Zechariah’s?
  7. Luke’s first chapter holds together what we often find easier to keep separate. How does this first chapter display a concern for both the larger perspective of God’s purpose in history and the lives of ordinary people?
  8. What similarities and contrasts is Luke setting up in verses 1-20 between Jesus and Augustus
  9. What might Joseph and Mary be feeling after hearing both Simeon’s and Anna’s words?
  10. How is Mary’s reaction in verse 48 at finding Jesus in the temple so understandable?
About the Author
Chris Woodard

Chris began his service at Valley Presbyterian in Church in 2007 as the Director of Student Ministries. In his thirteen years of ministry, he has expanded his role to work with VPC Mission and Outreach, Worship, and Men’s Ministry.

In 2019, Chris was ordained at VPC and currently serves as pastor of Mission and Community Engagement, where he finds passion in helping people identify their true purpose in Jesus Christ through service to others. Chris considers it a true joy and privilege to be part of the community.

Raised in Tucson as part of a wonderful church community at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, he graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology- "Bear Down!" He completed his seminary work and earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Chris is married to his dream girl Brianna and they just gave birth to their first son Max.

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