Matt Zainea Rockford Campus December 17, 2023
Storytellers: The Faith of Mary
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
REMINDERS
Ignite (Jan 14, 5:30pm) – Please join us for a time of refreshment and encouragement as we Ignite our hearts with HOPE this coming January. We’re gathering all of our volunteers from all campuses together to worship, learn, grow and be refreshed. Please RSVP for this very special and very fun night together! https://magnifychurch.org/event/ignite/
Leader Development Class – We are taking the month of December off and will restart again the weekend of Jan. 21. Please plan to join us from 6-7pm to continue to be sharpened as a leader!
TOGETHER IN LIFE
This morning, Matt shared about his Catholic upbringing and how they talk about Mary in that denomination. Growing up, did you hear a lot about Mary, just a little, or not at all?
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Luke 1:26–56
Note: We encourage you to read the entire text together as a group out loud.
Big Idea
In Mary we see a model of discipleship. In contrast with Zechariah’s lack of faith, when the angel visits Mary, she is humble, obedient, and trusting—even though she is surprised and does not fully understand the situation. We can learn to be more faithful in our walk with Christ from her example.
Mary and Zechariah
The Holy Spirit, working through Luke, placed the stories of Mary and Zechariah side-by-side to teach us something important. Review the items listed below.
| Zechariah | Mary |
| Old Male Temple Priest Troubled Terror Weak Faith Curse |
Young Female Nazareth Peasant Troubled No Terror Strong Faith Blessing |
QUESTIONS
- Which differences strike you most?
- Are there any other points of contrast (or comparison) that you noticed between their stories? You may want to re-read Zechariah’s story for help.
- Do you tend to be more like Mary or Zechariah when facing life’s surprises? Try to base your answer on specific examples in your life.
Striver, Victim, Servant
Mary responded “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” In this, she strikes a balance we so easily miss. We tend to adopt an all-active identity (like the striver, who works hard to make the most of each day and get ahead in life) or an all-passive identity (like the victim, who tends to see life as a string of unfortunate events they must endure). By contrast, Francis Schaeffer recommended “active passivity,” which recognizes we are involved and responsible, but ultimately it all depends on God and not on us. Mary chose to be a servant, to pursue God’s will according to His plan.
QUESTIONS
- Can you relate to the “striver” mentality? Are you someone who is most often tempted to think it all depends on you each day?
- Where are you most often tempted to see life this way?
- Can you relate to the “victim” mentality? Are you someone who is most often tempted to feel helpless in the throes of daily life?
- Where are you most often tempted to see life this way?
- What would it look like to choose to be a servant? How might the situations you described as striver or victim look different with active passivity?
- What questions or concerns arise as you think about living differently in these areas?
- Is there anyone in your life who models servant faith? How might you encourage them and learn from them?
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
God’s plan goes forward whether our faith is weak like Zechariah’s or strong like Mary’s. The question is whether we will submit to God’s plans and experience the blessing that comes with it or not. Based on what you have discussed, pray for one another that your faith would be stronger. Remember that it is not the strength of your faith that saves you but the strength of the object of your faith (Jesus). Pray for specific areas where you need to be more active, and areas where you are being too controlling. Submit your plans and possessions afresh to God’s will.
