A Miracle Before The Miracle

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever wondered how miracles fit into the story of Christmas? This message explores the profound ways God intervenes in our lives, defying ordinary explanations and pointing us toward His glory. Discover how the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus invite us to live with hearts oriented toward God, expecting His miraculous power in our everyday lives.

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A Miracle Before The Miracle

Message Summary
Have you ever wondered how miracles fit into the story of Christmas? This message explores the profound ways God intervenes in our lives, defying ordinary explanations and pointing us toward His glory. Discover how the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus invite us to live with hearts oriented toward God, expecting His miraculous power in our everyday lives.
Key Scripture
But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
Luke 1:13-17 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Luke 1:5-25 NLT

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary. When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”

Devotional:
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth introduces us to the miraculous nature of God’s interventions. Despite their advanced age and Elizabeth’s barrenness, God promises them a son, John, who will play a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus. This narrative reminds us that miracles often occur in the realm of the impossible, defying human logic and expectations. Zechariah’s initial doubt is a common human response to divine promises that seem too good to be true. Yet, God’s plans are not thwarted by our skepticism. Instead, He invites us to trust in His power and timing. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to recognize the miracles in our own lives, both big and small, and to approach them with gratitude and faith.

Response Questions:

  1. How do you typically respond to situations that seem impossible? Do you find yourself doubting or trusting in God’s power?
  2. In what areas of your life do you need to invite God’s miraculous intervention?
  3. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the miracles, both seen and unseen, in your life?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the faith to trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible.
  2. Ask God to open your eyes to the miracles happening around you and to cultivate a heart of gratitude.

Day 2

John 2:1-11 NLT

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Devotional:
The miracle at Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine, serves as a profound example of how miracles reveal God’s glory and deepen faith. This event was not just about meeting a practical need; it was a sign pointing to Jesus’ divine nature and mission. Miracles in the Bible often serve a dual purpose: they meet immediate needs and reveal deeper spiritual truths. In our lives, miracles can be moments that draw us closer to God, helping us to see His hand at work and to trust Him more fully. As we reflect on this story, we are reminded that God’s miracles are not just about the extraordinary events but about the transformation they bring to our hearts and lives.

Response Questions:

  1. How have you seen God’s glory revealed through miracles in your life or the lives of others?
  2. What immediate needs in your life could be opportunities for God to reveal His glory?
  3. How can you use the miracles you experience to deepen your faith and the faith of those around you?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s glory through the miracles you witness.
  2. Ask God to use the miracles in your life to strengthen your faith and the faith of others.

Day 3

Matthew 14:22-33 NLT

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Devotional:
The story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s attempt to do the same highlights the relationship between faith and miracles. Peter’s initial faith allows him to step out of the boat, but his fear causes him to sink. This narrative teaches us that faith is essential to experiencing God’s miraculous power. However, it also shows that Jesus is there to catch us when our faith falters. Miracles often require us to step out in faith, trusting in God’s power rather than our own abilities. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to examine our own faith and to trust God more deeply, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Response Questions:

  1. What “boats” in your life is God calling you to step out of in faith?
  2. How do fear and doubt impact your ability to experience God’s miracles?
  3. How can you strengthen your faith to trust God in the midst of life’s storms?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the courage to step out in faith, trusting in God’s power and presence.
  2. Ask God to help you overcome fear and doubt, strengthening your faith in His miraculous power.

Day 4

Luke 17:11-19 NLT

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Devotional:
The healing of the ten lepers underscores the importance of gratitude in response to God’s miracles. While all ten were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus, highlighting how easy it is to take God’s blessings for granted. Gratitude is a vital response to the miracles we experience, as it acknowledges God’s goodness and deepens our relationship with Him. This story challenges us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing and celebrating the miracles in our lives, both big and small. As we reflect on this narrative, we are encouraged to be like the one leper who returned, giving thanks and glory to God for His miraculous work.

Response Questions:

  1. How often do you take time to thank God for the miracles in your life?
  2. What are some specific miracles you can thank God for today?
  3. How can cultivating a heart of gratitude impact your relationship with God and others?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a heart that recognizes and celebrates God’s miracles with gratitude.
  2. Ask God to help you cultivate a lifestyle of thankfulness, acknowledging His goodness in all circumstances.

Day 5

Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Devotional:
The greatest miracle of all is the transformation of our hearts through salvation in Jesus Christ. This passage from Ephesians reminds us that we were once dead in our sins, but God, in His rich mercy, has given us new life through Christ. This miracle of salvation is not something we can earn; it is a gift of grace. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded that the most profound miracle is not the external signs and wonders but the internal transformation of our hearts. This miracle of salvation is the foundation for all other miracles in our lives, as it aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and empowers us to live out His plans.

Response Questions:

  1. How does understanding salvation as a miracle change your perspective on your relationship with God?
  2. In what ways has the miracle of salvation transformed your life?
  3. How can you share the miracle of salvation with others in your life?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank God for the miracle of salvation and the new life you have in Christ.
  2. Pray for opportunities to share the miracle of salvation with others, pointing them to God’s grace and love.

Introduction: Welcome your group and introduce the theme of the discussion: the miracle of Christmas and how it relates to our lives. Encourage openness and honesty as you explore the concepts of miracles, faith, and gratitude together.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to the message of God’s miraculous power.

Discussion Questions and Context

Day 1: The Nature of Miracles

  1. How do you typically respond to situations that seem impossible? Do you find yourself doubting or trusting in God’s power?
    • Context: In the sermon, Zechariah’s initial response to the angel’s message was one of doubt due to his and Elizabeth’s old age. This reflects our human tendency to doubt when faced with seemingly impossible situations. Discuss how we can learn from Zechariah’s experience to trust in God’s power.
  2. In what areas of your life do you need to invite God’s miraculous intervention?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized that miracles often occur in areas where we have needs. Encourage group members to identify specific areas in their lives where they are seeking God’s intervention and to share these with the group if comfortable.
  3. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the miracles, both seen and unseen, in your life?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing and being grateful for God’s miracles. Discuss practical ways to cultivate gratitude, such as keeping a gratitude journal or sharing testimonies of God’s work in your life.

Day 2: The Purpose of Miracles

  1. How have you seen God’s glory revealed through miracles in your life or the lives of others?
    • Context: The sermon mentioned that miracles reveal God’s glory and deepen faith, as seen in Jesus’ first miracle at Cana. Encourage sharing of personal stories where God’s glory was evident through miraculous events.
  2. What immediate needs in your life could be opportunities for God to reveal His glory?
    • Context: Miracles often meet immediate needs while pointing to deeper spiritual truths. Discuss how current challenges or needs might be opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and glory.
  3. How can you use the miracles you experience to deepen your faith and the faith of those around you?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized that miracles are not just for personal benefit but also to strengthen faith. Explore ways to share your experiences with others to encourage and build up their faith.

Day 3: Miracles and Faith

  1. What “boats” in your life is God calling you to step out of in faith?
    • Context: The sermon referenced Peter stepping out of the boat in faith. Discuss what comfort zones or situations God might be calling group members to leave behind to experience His miraculous power.
  2. How do fear and doubt impact your ability to experience God’s miracles?
    • Context: Peter’s fear caused him to sink, illustrating how doubt can hinder our experience of God’s power. Discuss strategies for overcoming fear and doubt in your spiritual journey.
  3. How can you strengthen your faith to trust God in the midst of life’s storms?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted the importance of faith in experiencing miracles. Share practical ways to build and strengthen faith, such as prayer, scripture reading, and community support.

Day 4: Miracles and Gratitude

  1. How often do you take time to thank God for the miracles in your life?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized gratitude as a response to God’s miracles, as seen in the story of the ten lepers. Discuss the importance of regularly expressing gratitude to God.
  2. What are some specific miracles you can thank God for today?
    • Context: Encourage group members to reflect on and share specific instances where they have seen God’s miraculous work in their lives, fostering a spirit of thankfulness.
  3. How can cultivating a heart of gratitude impact your relationship with God and others?
    • Context: Gratitude deepens our relationship with God and positively affects our interactions with others. Discuss how a grateful heart can transform relationships and perspectives.

Day 5: The Greatest Miracle

  1. How does understanding salvation as a miracle change your perspective on your relationship with God?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted salvation as the greatest miracle. Discuss how recognizing this miracle can deepen your appreciation for God’s grace and love.
  2. In what ways has the miracle of salvation transformed your life?
    • Context: Encourage sharing of personal testimonies about how salvation has brought transformation and new life, reinforcing the message of God’s miraculous work in our hearts.
  3. How can you share the miracle of salvation with others in your life?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the miracle of salvation. Discuss practical ways to witness to others and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer, thanking God for His miraculous work in your lives and asking for His continued guidance and presence as you seek to live out His purposes. Encourage group members to continue reflecting on the miracles in their lives and to share their experiences with others.