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The God of Small Things

Session 1: The God of Small Things

 

 

Verse:
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
—Luke 2:6

Main Idea:
God often uses small and humble things to display His immense power and love. The Christmas story reminds us that through what seems insignificant, God works in mighty ways to fulfill His purposes.

 

Opening Prayer

Invite someone to pray, asking for God’s presence and guidance as you explore the significance of the "small things" in the Christmas story.

 

Introduction

Discussion Starter:
Ask the group:

  • What small or seemingly insignificant thing has made a big impact on your life?

Highlight the main idea:

  • The first Christmas was marked not by grandeur but by simplicity and humility.
  • God chose the smallest of things—a baby, a humble stable, a small town—to introduce the Savior of the world.

 

Scripture Exploration

Divide the group into four smaller groups or pairs to read the following Scriptures and discuss their "small" yet significant details. Afterward, have each group share briefly.

  1. The Little Town of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6)
    “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for from you will come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.”
    • Bethlehem was a small, obscure town, yet it was chosen to host the greatest event in history. “Bethlehem” = The House of Bread
      1. “I am the bread of life” John 6: 35,48
      2. “I am the Manna (living bread) that came down from Heaven” John 6:51
    • Rachel, the wife of Jacob was buried in Bethlehem
    • Bethlehem is where judges were raised and trained
    • Boaz was from Bethlehem and welcomed Ruth (a gentile) in “his faith”
    • David, Israels greatest king shepherded sheep in the fields of Bethlehem
    • Most importantly, the Messiah was prophesied to come from this small village.
      1. Micah 5:2 - But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
        Toolittle to be among the clans of Judah,
        From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
        His times of coming forth are from long ago,
        From the days of eternity.”
    • Discussion: Why does God often choose unexpected places for His work?
  2. The Tiny Stable? (Luke 2:4-7)
    “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
    • Jesus was born not in a palace but a stable, a cave, or a peasant’s home, emphasizing humility and approachability.
      1. Interesting – “stable” in Hebrew is Kavua – “established period”
      2. Directly translated means immovable and permanent with no end
      3. Our English word “Stability” comes from this word
      4. Holiday – Census relation
        1. Being around family is not a new concept
        2. Holiday (festival) – there are 7 major ones in the Bible
          1. 5 of them are with “fatted calf”
          2. 2 of them are with Spotless lambs (birth and crucifixion)
          3. The final lamb that was used for the atonement of sins was identified by “swaddling clothes”.
        3. Swadling Clothes – used to “identify” the “final Lamb” for the atonement of sins
        4. Manger discussion (Cedar, Pine, and Cypress) – Ark, Manager, Cross
  • Discussion: What does the stable/home teach us about God’s priorities?
  1. The Small Group of Shepherds (Luke 2:8-11)
    “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them…”
    • Shepherds were considered lowly in society, yet they were chosen as the first witnesses of Christ’s birth.
      1. Poy-mane`- overseer/pastor
        1. The first to see Jesus
      2. The shepherds represented the people of Israel, invited to come and worship their Messiah. The significance of inviting the shepherds first, those who were overlooked and disregarded by many, hinted at God's kingdom ways.
      3. Shepherds were some of the lowest status people in that society. Yet they were the first that God told, about Jesus' birth. This tells me God loves all people, including the lowest of the low, and cares for the poor. They were the ones who most needed the hope that Jesus, God's Messiah, brings.
      4. In the Bible, shepherds are used to represent leaders of God's people (see Isaiah 63:11; Jeremiah 23:2). Shepherds watch for enemies who might attack the sheep, and they defend them when necessary. They tend to sick or wounded sheep and search for and rescue lost or trapped ones.
        1. Is 63:11 Then His people remembered the days of old, of Moses.
          Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the [g]shepherds of His flock?
        2. Jer 23:2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says concerning the shepherds who are [a]tending My people:…
  • Discussion: What does this tell us about who God values?
  1. The Small but Significant Gifts of the Magi (Matthew 2:9-12)
    “Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
    • Who are “Magi”?
      1. Mag-os = scientist, sorcerer, astrologer
      2. Root word is rab-mawg = a chief “Babylonian” official
        1. The ancient city of Babylon plays a significant role in the Bible, representing a rejection of the One True God. It was one of the cities King Nimrod founded, according to Genesis 10:9-10.
        2. Represents that Jesus is not just for “His kind” but even for the “non-believer”.
        3. Babylon represents the wickedness and evils of the world.
        4. Notice that the “wise men” of “the world” bowed to Jesus
          1. Phil 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
  • Each gift symbolized something profound
    1. Gold for kingship on earth – Christ is THE KING
    2. Frankincense for divinity – only used in the temple by “the High Priest”
    3. Myrrh for sacrifice/death – symbolic for His death for the sake of truth
  • Discussion: How can small gestures carry deeper meaning?

 

Reflection & Application

Reflection:

  • What small or humble things in your life might God be using for His greater purpose?
  • How does the humility of Christ’s birth inspire your view of service and love?

Application Activity:

  • Write down one "small thing" you can do this week to reflect God’s love—e.g., a kind word, a prayer for someone, or an act of service. Share it with the group if comfortable.

 

Closing Thought

Key Point:

  • God’s work in the small things shows His attention to detail and His desire to connect with us personally. Just as Christ came in humility, we are called to embrace simplicity and trust God in the little things.

Challenge:
This Christmas season, pause to notice the "small things" in your life. Thank God for them and consider how He might use them to accomplish something significant.

 

Closing Prayer

Pray together, thanking God for His work in the small things and asking Him to help you see His hand in your life this week.