Epiphany

reflection and discussion questions:

Review: Last week we were encouraged to love one another as God has loved us. We were encouraged to show kindness to those we don't think deserve it, as God did to us in Jesus, and to practice forgiveness, as modeled in the Lord's prayer. How did that go? Where did you notice the love of God being made known through you to others this week?
On Sunday, Phil highlighted the twelve days of Christmas culminating in the annual holiday of Epiphany. How does observing and celebrating these annual holidays (Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, ect.) help us to remember, as Phil described, "the important things"?
One of the main emphases of Epiphany is the coming of the Wise men to see Jesus. When Christ was made manifest to the Gentiles. Read Matthew 2:1-12. What stands out to you about this story? Why is the welcome inclusion of these foreign men into the presence of Jesus important? What does it tell us about the heart of God toward all people (including us!)?
Read Matthew 28:18-20. What does this passage also tell us about the heart of God toward all people? As followers of Jesus, what should our heart be?
What might be preventing you at times from "going to make disciples of all nations (or peoples)"? Is it the "going"? Is it the "people"? Pray and ask for the Spirit's help and mercy.
As you consider the upcoming year, how can you keep this call of Jesus more in focus?
Phil suggested 4 ideas. How might God be calling you to respond?
1. Be creative and consider how you (and your family?) can celebrate Epiphany (January 6th).
2. Sign up for upcoming LifeChange class: Witnessing as a way of Life. Register here.
3. Pray. Pray for a Christlike heart and for opportunities to bear witness.
4. Share with others "how much the Lord has done for you" (Mark 5:19).