The Story
Apr 14, 2019 • Chris Reighley
The Story:
The Bible As One Continuing Story of God and His People
by Mac Lucado & Randy Frazee
The Story tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time!
God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption—and this story’s true!
The birth of Jesus marks the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy. He enters the world in humility, born of a virgin in Bethlehem. Though born in obscurity, He is the eternal Word made flesh. Heaven rejoices, Herod trembles, and the world will never be the same. This is not just the beginning of the Gospels—it is the turning point of redemptive history.
Passages:
John 1; Luke 1–2; Matthew 1–2
Main Idea: The long-awaited King arrives—not with earthly pomp, but with heavenly purpose.
The birth of Jesus marks the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy. He enters the world in humility, born of a virgin in Bethlehem. Though born in obscurity, He is the eternal Word made flesh. Heaven rejoices, Herod trembles, and the world will never be the same. This is not just the beginning of the Gospels—it is the turning point of redemptive history.
Lesson 14: The Birth of the King
I. The Word – The Eternal Christ Introduced (John 1)
- The Deity of Jesus – He is the Word, present from the beginning (vv. 1–5)
- The Witness of John – pointing to the true Light (vv. 6–13)
- The Word Became Flesh – full of grace and truth (vv. 14–18)
II. According to Your Word – Birth Announcements (Luke 1)
- John the Baptist Foretold – Zechariah and Elizabeth’s miracle child (vv. 5–25)
- The Birth of Jesus Foretold – Gabriel visits Mary (vv. 26–38)
- Mary Visits Elizabeth – and breaks into song (vv. 39–45)
- The Magnificat – Mary’s worshipful response (vv. 46–56)
- John is Born – and Zechariah’s tongue is loosed (vv. 57–66)
- Zechariah’s Prophecy – the rising sun from on high (vv. 67–80)
III. Committed – Genealogy and Obedience (Matthew 1; Luke 3)
- Joseph’s Genealogy – a legal descendant of David (Matt. 1:1–17)
- Mary’s Lineage and Legal Right – through David as well (Luke 3:23–38)
- The Angel Appears to Joseph – he accepts God’s plan (Matt. 1:18–25)
IV. To Bethlehem – The Nativity (Luke 2)
- Jesus Is Born in Bethlehem – fulfilling Micah’s prophecy (vv. 1–7)
- Shepherds Hear the Angels Sing – and glorify God (vv. 8–20)
- Jesus Presented at the Temple – Simeon and Anna testify (vv. 21–38)
- Return to Nazareth – Jesus grows in wisdom and favor (vv. 39–40)
V. Movement – Protection and Prophecy Fulfilled (Matthew 2)
- The Magi Visit – guided by a star, bringing worship and gifts (vv. 1–12)
- The Flight to Egypt – God protects His Son (vv. 13–15)
- Herod’s Massacre – evil attempts to destroy the Messiah (vv. 16–18)
- Return to Nazareth – Jesus is raised in obscurity, not splendor (vv. 19–23)
VI. His Father’s House – Jesus at Age Twelve (Luke 2:41–52)
- At the Temple – Jesus listens, learns, and amazes the teachers
- Mary and Joseph Find Him – “Did you not know I must be in My Father’s house?”
Key Themes & Takeaways
- Jesus is fully God and fully man—the eternal Word wrapped in human flesh
- God often works through the quiet obedience of ordinary people
- Even as a child, Jesus displays divine wisdom and purpose
- The incarnation is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and plan
- He came to dwell with us—Emmanuel, God with us, the King we’ve been waiting for