Discussion Guide
It’s that time of year—Christmas at the Cove! Over the next few weeks, we’ll turn our hearts toward our Savior and explore key moments from His life and ministry to help us stay focused on Him this Christmas season. Jesus surprised everyone by the way He came into the world. Many expected Him to arrive with force—judging the wicked and rewarding the righteous. They wanted a conqueror on a war horse, but instead He arrived humbly. He came not to crush but to call, not to condemn but to offer repentance. And like we see in the story of Balaam’s donkey, Jesus often sees what we cannot and protects us in ways we often fail to recognize. Let’s explore why these things matter so much.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What’s the most unexpected or “underwhelming” way you’ve ever seen something happen or experienced—like a movie ending, a gift reveal, a big event, an announcement, a vacation etc.? How did your expectations make the moment feel bigger or smaller? This is how Jesus’ arrival was, it didn’t look anything like what people expected.
2. Read Matthew 21:7-11, Zechariah 9:9-10. Why do you think so many struggled to recognize Jesus as the Messiah? How do you see their expectations influenced by their culture, past disappointments, or oppression under Rome? Why do you think humility is so difficult for us to see as strength?
3. Read Numbers 22:22-33. How do you see the donkey protecting Balaam? Balaam was angry at the donkey, how can God’s protection sometimes feel like a delay or frustration in our own lives? As the donkey saw spiritual danger before Balaam did, what can help us grow and recognize spiritual danger in our own lives?
4. Read Revelation 19:11-16. Compare Jesus’ first coming to His second coming. What do the donkey and the war horse teach us about His character?
Action Step: After the message and this study guide, spend some intentional time this week asking God to show you and help you:
*Soften judgmental tendencies
*Make your heart humble like His
*Help you treat others with the same patience Jesus showed you
Deeper Dive: Read Genesis 49:10-11, 1 Kings 1:32-35. Discuss the significance of kings riding donkeys during times of peace.