When Jesus came to earth every person had to respond to His presence in some fashion. Unfortunately, runaway emotions can get in the way of our ability to respond, because Christ’s work can become blurred by the confusion of how we feel. We get so consumed with protecting our own kingdoms that seem to be constantly under attack, that we fail to see His Kingdom as our ultimate pursuit. So, our emotions must always be put into check by the awe and wonder of a Kingdom that beckons us to deeper purpose and greater living.~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever been angry with someone or something at Christmas? Share your story.
Read: Matthew 2:1-23; Proverbs 14:29-30, 15:1, 18, 16:32, 29:11; Ephesians 4:26-27; James 1:19
Discuss:
1. How have you observed anger displayed recently? Is anger in and of itself wrong? Why or why not? How does the incarnation show us that it is possible to be both good AND angry? What makes anger go wrong?
2. Who is Herod? How did he become King? Why does Christ’s birth make him so angry? “Angry is when someone or something has invaded our perceived kingdom.” Do you agree with this statement? What are the things that make you most angry? How does anger reveal what’s going on beneath the surface of our hearts?
3. How do the chief priests and scribes demonstrate apathy and passivity concerning the news of Christ (Matthew 2:4-6)? How did this apathy become anger later in the gospels? How can apathy be another way anger is demonstrated?
4. Who are the “magi” or “wise men”? What are some of the misconceptions concerning them? How does awe serve as the anecdote to anger? In what way has your view of God (Jesus) affected your anger?
5. Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Paul tells us that we should not stay angry, i.e., “do not let the sun go down on your anger” and gives us a spiritual reason for why: “and give no opportunity to the devil”. Why would Satan love for us to allow our anger to linger and stick around? What does anger do to us when we allow it to linger? Any examples in your own life?
6. What are some ways that we can deal with our anger? What is the value of being “slow to anger” (James 1:19)?
Pray: Pray that you would be so in awe of Christ, that your heart would settle and your faith would be strengthened by the fact that no matter what is happening around you, God is accomplishing His plan.
Memorize/Meditate: Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
