Leader Reminders

• Don’t assume everyone heard the sermon — this resource is designed to stand alone.

• Keep circling back to the Scriptures. The conversation is about God’s truth, not just people’s feelings.

• Encourage honesty. If people share doubts (“If God is with us, why do I feel alone?”), affirm the question and guide them back to God’s promises in His Word.

Week 1 – Supplemental Resource

(Use alongside the Leader Guide. This is an optional expansion for groups that need more discussion, depth, or Scripture focus.)

Theme: God didn’t send a messenger. He came Himself — Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us.”

Core Scriptures: Matthew 1:22–23; John 1:14; Hebrews 4:15; Philippians 2:5–11

1. Introduction

Ask:

• Have you ever needed help but only got words instead of someone showing up? (e.g., a text when you really needed a visit, advice when you really needed a hug.)

• How did that feel?

• Why does someone’s presence mean so much more than words alone?

Leader Connection:

Christianity isn’t built on advice sent from heaven — it’s built on God stepping into our world in Jesus. God didn’t just send prophets or instructions. He came Himself.

2. Scripture Exploration

Read aloud together:

• Matthew 1:22–23 — The promise of Immanuel.

• John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

• Hebrews 4:15 — Jesus understands our weaknesses.

• Philippians 2:5–11 — Jesus humbled Himself and became human.

Discussion Questions:

• Matthew: Why does it matter that Jesus’ birth fulfilled a prophecy from hundreds of years earlier? What does that show about God’s trustworthiness?

• John: What picture comes to mind when you hear “pitched His tent among us”? What does it say about how close God wants to be?

• Hebrews: Which human struggle of Jesus (hunger, fatigue, rejection, temptation, grief) makes Him most relatable to you?

• Philippians: What do we learn about humility and love when we see the eternal Son of God choosing to become human?

3. Digging Deeper

For groups newer to faith:

• Why do you think people sometimes imagine God as distant or unreachable?

• How does the idea of Jesus living like us challenge that picture?

• What would you say to a friend who asks, “If God is real, why doesn’t He just show up?”

For groups ready for more Scripture depth:

• Prophecy and Probability: Pastor Greg mentioned that dozens of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ birth and life. What does that say about God’s control over history?

• God’s Choice of Humility: Why would God choose to enter history as a baby in a stable instead of as a powerful king? What does this reveal about His character?

• Everyday Life: If God stepped into our “ordinary,” how does that change how we see our jobs, families, struggles, and routines?

4. Presence and Word

Leader Note: Emphasize balance.

• God’s presence is real and personal.

• God’s Word is how we know His promises and truth.

• We need both. Presence without the Word drifts into feelings-only faith. Word without presence feels distant and cold.

Questions to Ask:

• Have you ever mistaken a “feeling” for God’s presence? What keeps us anchored in truth?

• How has God’s Word reminded you that He is close, even when you didn’t feel it?

• How does Scripture itself invite us into experiencing God’s nearness (e.g., Psalm 34:18; James 4:8)?

5. Application for the Week

• Personal: Where in your life do you most need to remember, “God is with me”? Write it down.

• Scripture Memory: Choose one verse (Matt 1:23, John 1:14, or Heb 4:15). Keep it visible this week.

• Presence in Action: Think of one person in your life who needs more than a text. What’s one way you can show up for them — with time, encouragement, or care?

6. Optional Activity

Bring a small tent, blanket, or even a chair to represent “God dwelling with us.” Place it in the center of the group. Invite people to share where they most need God’s nearness right now. After a few share, pray over those needs, thanking God that He steps into our mess.

7. Closing Reflection & Prayer

Reflection Question:

“If God truly moved into our neighborhood through Jesus, what should change about the way I live and the way I view others?”

Prayer Directions:

• Thanksgiving: Thank God for drawing near through Christ.

• Intercession: Pray for group members to sense God’s closeness in specific struggles.

• Commission: Ask God to help the group embody His presence by serving and showing up for others this week.