Interact
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
The Lies We Hear and the Truth God Speaks
Have you listened carefully to Pastor Joel? He told an amazing story about someone else, but it was also a story about you and me. He reminded us that we are always listening to voices. Some speak truth, while others repeat lies so often that we eventually begin to believe them.
Below are four common lies young people often hear:
- I am what I achieve. My grades, accomplishments, talents, and success determine my worth.
- I am how I look. My body, clothing, attractiveness, or online image determines my value.
- I am what other people think of me. I need approval, attention, likes, and acceptance to know that I matter.
- I am alone, and no one truly understands me. Nobody sees what I am experiencing, and asking for help will not make a difference.
Discuss or rank the four lies:
- Which lie is the most common?
- Which lie can be the most damaging?
- Which lie is the easiest to hide?
- Which lie are young people most likely to believe without realizing it?
Lie: I am what I achieve, listen to Ephesians 2:10
Lie: I am how I look, listen 1 Samuel 16:7
Lie: I am what other people think of me, listen to Isaiah 43:1
Lie: I am alone, and no one truly understands me, listen to Hebrews 13:5
Consider the way Mary listens to voices!
Insight
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
- What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
- What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
- Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
- What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?
Mary listens carefully to the voice that interrupts her ordinary life. The words “highly favored” and “the Lord is with you” sound reassuring, yet Mary is “greatly troubled.” God’s favor does not always make life easier or immediately understandable. Sometimes it arrives as a calling that feels far larger than we are. Still, the angel answers her fear with a promise: “Do not be afraid.” What might change if we listened to God’s presence more than our fear? God gave Joshua the same assurance: “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Mary receives almost unimaginable news: her child will be called “the Son of the Most High,” inherit David’s throne, and reign forever. This fulfills God’s promise that David’s kingdom would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12–13), yet it begins quietly through the faith of a young woman. Mary does not understand everything, but she keeps listening until fear becomes trust and uncertainty becomes surrender. Her response will soon be, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). Could we trust God without knowing every detail? Mary shows us that faith is not having every answer. It is allowing God’s promise to speak more loudly than every other voice.
Insight Out
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.