Small Group Guide: "Flee to Egypt" - Joseph's Obedience
Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)
Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His word and to help the group learn from Joseph's example of faithful obedience.
Matthew 2:13-15 "Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child to destroy him.' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod."
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Story (10-15 minutes)
Key Takeaways
✓ God speaks through dreams, visions, and His Word - We need to be attentive to how He communicates with us
✓ Immediate obedience matters - Joseph didn't wait for better circumstances; he acted on God's instruction right away
✓ God provides what we need for the journey - The gold from the wise men sustained the family during their exile
✓ Our usefulness never ends - As long as we're alive, God has a purpose and plan for us
✓ Protection is as important as provision - Sometimes our role is to guard what God has entrusted to us rather than to produce
Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge
Choose one of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Immediate Obedience
Personal Prayer (5 minutes) Take time for silent reflection. Ask God:
For Next Week
Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)
Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His word and to help the group learn from Joseph's example of faithful obedience.
Matthew 2:13-15 "Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child to destroy him.' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod."
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Story (10-15 minutes)
- What surprised you most about the timeline presented in the sermon? (Jesus being about 2 years old, the 3-year journey through Egypt, etc.)
- Why do you think it matters that we understand these details about Joseph's journey? How does it change or deepen your understanding of the Christmas story?
- The sermon mentioned that Joseph's role shifted from "provider" to "protector." What does this distinction mean, and why is it significant?
- Joseph responded immediately to God's warning, leaving in the middle of the night. When has God called you to immediate obedience? How did you respond?
- The pastor mentioned feeling "eight feet tall and bulletproof" in younger years versus the reality of aging. How does Joseph's story speak to those who feel their "usefulness has come to an end"?
- Joseph had to trust God's provision (through the wise men's gifts) rather than his own ability to provide through his work. When have you had to trust God's provision in an unexpected way?
- The sermon emphasized Joseph's lack of fear and his obedience. Which is harder for you—overcoming fear or maintaining obedience? Why?
- Joseph simply said "yes" to God's plan, even when it was difficult and disruptive. What might God be asking you to say "yes" to right now?
- Joseph protected his family during a dangerous three-year journey through Egypt. Who or what has God called you to protect or steward in this season of your life?
- The pastor said, "As long as we draw breath in our lungs...there is something that we can do for [God]." What do you sense God calling you to do in this current season, regardless of your age or circumstances?
Key Takeaways
✓ God speaks through dreams, visions, and His Word - We need to be attentive to how He communicates with us
✓ Immediate obedience matters - Joseph didn't wait for better circumstances; he acted on God's instruction right away
✓ God provides what we need for the journey - The gold from the wise men sustained the family during their exile
✓ Our usefulness never ends - As long as we're alive, God has a purpose and plan for us
✓ Protection is as important as provision - Sometimes our role is to guard what God has entrusted to us rather than to produce
Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge
Choose one of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Immediate Obedience
- Identify one thing you know God has been asking you to do
- Take one concrete step toward obedience this week
- Share your progress with an accountability partner
- Reflect on an area where you're trying to provide through your own strength
- Write down how God might be providing in ways you haven't recognized
- Practice gratitude for His provision daily
- Spend 15 minutes in prayer each day this week
- Ask God to reveal where He wants to use you
- Write down what you sense Him saying and share with the group next week
Personal Prayer (5 minutes) Take time for silent reflection. Ask God:
- Where am I resisting Your call to obedience?
- What do You want me to protect or steward?
- How can I serve You in this season of my life?
- Areas where obedience is difficult
- Situations requiring God's protection
- Clarity about God's purpose for your life right now
For Next Week
- Read Matthew 2:19-23 (the return from Egypt)
- Reflect on how God guides us through transitions
- Consider: What "new chapter" might God be beginning in your life?
- Research the Coptic Christian traditions mentioned in the sermon
- Study the Old Testament prophecy referenced: Hosea 11:1
- Explore a map of the Holy Family's journey to Egypt