The Story of Jesus
Season 2 — The Story of Jesus Begins
The Story of Jesus Begins: The birth and early life of Jesus Christ as God’s promises begin moving toward fulfillment.
Season 2 — The Story of Jesus Begins
The Birth and Early Life of Jesus Christ
After generations of waiting, God’s promises began moving toward fulfillment.
The Messiah had come.
Season 2 begins the story of Jesus’ birth, childhood, and early years.
These lessons explore the events surrounding the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world and the people God used to prepare the way.
The birth of Jesus was not simply the birth of another child.
Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior foretold throughout the Old Testament.
The opening chapters of the Gospels connect deeply to prophecy, worship, hope, and the promises carried through generations of waiting.
This season explores:
the angel Gabriel’s messages,
Mary and Joseph,
Bethlehem,
the shepherds,
the wise men,
King Herod,
the Temple,
and the early years of Jesus’ life.
Many people know parts of the Christmas story.
Yet these lessons go deeper by helping readers understand:
the historical setting,
Jewish customs,
Old Testament prophecy,
Roman rule,
Temple worship,
and the spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth.
This season also continues building connections between:
the Old Testament,
the life of Jesus,
the worship traditions of Israel,
and God’s plan of salvation.
Scripture References
Matthew 1–2
Luke 1–2
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:6–7
Micah 5:2
John 1:1–14
Galatians 4:4–5
Understanding the Season 2
Why Is the Birth of Jesus Important?
Christians believe the birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises to send a Savior.
Jesus entered the world to bring salvation, forgiveness, truth, grace, and hope.
His birth changed history and remains central to the Christian faith.
What Does “Immanuel” Mean?
The name Immanuel means:
“God with us.”
Matthew’s Gospel connects this name to Jesus, showing that God entered human life personally through Christ.
Why Was Bethlehem Important?
The Old Testament prophet Micah foretold that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.
Jesus’ birth there fulfilled prophecy spoken centuries earlier.
Why Are Angels So Important in These Stories?
Angels often appear in Scripture as messengers from God.
In the opening chapters of the Gospels, angels announce God’s plan and prepare people for the coming of Jesus
Key Themes in Season 2
God Keeps His Promises
The birth of Jesus fulfills promises spoken throughout the Old Testament.
God Works Through Ordinary People
God used people like Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and others to carry out His plan.
Jesus Brings Hope Into the World
The arrival of Jesus brought hope to people living in fear, uncertainty, suffering, and waiting.
The Story of Jesus Connects Heaven and Earth
The birth narratives reveal God entering human history personally.
Lessons in This Season 2
2.1 — Gabriel Appears to Zechariah
The angel Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist.
2.2 — Gabriel Appears to Mary
Mary learns she will give birth to Jesus, the promised Savior.
2.3 — Joseph Chooses Faith
Joseph trusts God’s message and protects Mary and Jesus.
2.4 — The Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Caesar Augustus.
2.5 — Shepherds Hear the Good News
Angels announce the Savior’s birth to shepherds near Bethlehem.
2.6 — Jesus Presented at the Temple
Simeon and Anna recognize the promised Messiah.
2.7 — The Wise Men Visit Jesus
Travelers from the East follow the star searching for the newborn King.
2.8 — Escape to Egypt
Joseph protects Jesus after warnings about King Herod.
2.9 — Jesus Grows in Wisdom
The early years of Jesus’ life and His visit to the Temple as a boy.
Understanding Jesus
Throughout this season, readers will continue exploring:
Jewish worship traditions,
Temple practices,
Roman rule,
family life,
travel customs,
Old Testament prophecy,
and the cultural world surrounding Jesus’ birth.
Special attention will also be given to:
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar,
helping readers understand how worship seasons and sacred celebrations shaped the world Jesus entered.
Why This Season 2 Matters
Season 2 reminds believers that God entered human history personally through Jesus Christ.
The Savior was not distant from human struggles.
Jesus entered a world filled with hardship, political tension, poverty, fear, and spiritual longing.
The birth of Jesus also reveals God’s faithfulness across generations.
Promises spoken centuries earlier were being fulfilled.
This season helps readers better understand:
the meaning of Christmas,
the fulfillment of prophecy,
the humanity of Jesus,
and the beginning of God’s rescue plan for the world.
Connecting to Jesus
Jesus entered the world humbly.
He was born into an ordinary family under Roman rule in a crowded and uncertain world.
Yet Christians believe His birth changed history forever.
Jesus came not only for one nation or group of people.
He came bringing salvation and hope for the world.
John 1 describes Jesus as:
“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…”
The story of Jesus begins with God drawing near to humanity.
Living the Message
The beginning of Jesus’ story reminds believers that God often works through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances.
This week:
Spend time reading the opening chapters of Matthew or Luke.
Reflect on the faith of Mary and Joseph.
Remember that God still brings hope into difficult situations.
Pray for trust during seasons of uncertainty.
Look for ways to share hope, encouragement, and compassion with others.
Reflection Questions
Why is the birth of Jesus so important to Christianity?
Possible answers:
Christians believe Jesus is the promised Savior and Son of God who came to bring salvation and hope.
How did Jesus fulfill Old Testament promises?
Possible answers:
Jesus fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah’s birth, mission, and coming Kingdom.
Why did God choose ordinary people like Mary and Joseph?
Possible answers:
God often works through humble and faithful people to accomplish His purposes.
What does the birth of Jesus reveal about God?
Possible answers:
God loves humanity and entered the world personally through Jesus Christ.
Why is understanding the historical setting important?
Possible answers:
Understanding the culture, worship traditions, Roman rule, and Jewish background helps readers better understand the Gospel stories.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
The birth of Jesus fulfilled God’s promises spoken through generations of prophecy.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus’ birth, life, and mission reveal God’s faithfulness and salvation plan.
Obedience in Action
Trust God even when His plans unfold in unexpected ways.
Walk It Out
Read Luke 1 or Matthew 1 this week and reflect on how God used ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
Continue Learning
2.1 — Gabriel Appears to Zechariah
Season 1: Waiting for a Savior
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
The waiting was ending.
The promises were being fulfilled.
The story of Jesus had begun.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
