Luke 2:8-20

Grow:

• To gain context for this passage, watch this video: npberean.org/beyond6

• What emotions or thoughts does the Luke 2 Christmas account stir within you? Reflect, then journal your response.

Share:

• What makes it difficult for you to tell others about Jesus? What step can you take to overcome your barriers to sharring?

• What could you say and do this week to proclaim Jesus to those who need to hear about his life and love? Be bold and plan ways to share the good news of his coming.

Connect:

• What fears, distractions, or comforts keep you from responding to the good news in worship like the shepherds?

• In 2026, where might God be inviting you to move from simply knowing the good news of Jesus to acting on it in trust and obedience?

• Explore Psalm 96 together and consider what “God story” you might share next Sunday.

Zechariah 14:1-21

Grow:

• As we bring this series in Zechariah to a close, watch this video to review the book as a whole: npberean.org/beyond5

• Since holiness marks everything in creation, how can you transform daily habits into acts of holiness and worship? Write down your daily routine. Then “reframe” it with holiness in mind.

Share:

• God graciously welcomes even former enemies to worship. How might you extend God’s welcome to someone who seems “far” from God?

• What practical change is God inviting to you make today to better reflect a life that is set apart for Him?

Connect:

• What fear, anxiety, or discouragement would lose its power if you were to truly believe the King will set everything right?

• What prevents you from wholehearted, consistent worship of God? How can we help one another grow in spiritual fervor? (Romans 12:11).

• Explore Luke 2:1-20 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Zechariah 12:1-13:9

Grow:

• Zechariah repeatedly uses the phrase, “on that day” to describe God’s future intervention. How does embracing a long term view of God’s work impact the way you view your life right now?

• True deliverance comes through the striking of God’s own shepherd, Jesus. Reflect on how this reality deepens your gratitude for His sacrifice.

Share:

• God pours out on His people a “spirit of grace.” How can you tangibly pass on the grace you’ve received from Him to others this week?

• What is one specific action you sense Spirit nudging you to take, as a response to this message?

Connect:

• Are there “enemies” you need to entrust to God’s justice today? (circumstances, fears, spiritual opposition, etc). What is keeping you from entrusting your “enemies” to Him right now?

• Where is God refining you right now? (hardship, tension, waiting) Share vulnerably then spend time praying for one another.

• Explore Zechariah 14:1-21 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Zechariah 11:1-17

Grow:

• What does this chapter teach about the consequences of poor leadership? Contrast this with Jesus’ leadership qualities.

• Leadership is influence. Reflect on how well you’re leading in areas, or with people, you currently influence.

Share:

• As an under-shepherd, how could you practically strengthen the weak? Heal the sick? Seek the lost this week?

• What could you do this week to demonstrate the joy that comes when you practically submit to God’s leading?

Connect:

• Where do you resist submitting to the shepherding of God and of other spiritual leaders he’s placed in your life?

• How can we support one another to become more faithful under-shepherds and also more faithful sheep?

• Explore Zechariah 12:1-13:9 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.