Embodied pt 2 - what it means to us
Opening Prayer
Spend a moment in prayer together, inviting God’s presence into your discussion. Ask for open hearts to explore the wonder and challenges of being human in light of Jesus’ incarnation.
Scripture Readings
Luke 2:6-7
“The time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.”Hebrews 2:11, 14, 17
“Jesus is not ashamed to call them [us] brothers and sisters… Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things… he became like his brothers and sisters in every respect.”Luke 24:36-39
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.’”
Discussion Themes and Questions
1. The Power of Presence
Jesus’ birth demonstrates the importance of physical connection and presence. As a baby, he was dependent on Mary’s care and embodied the relational closeness we all need.
Reflection Question: How have you experienced the power of presence—someone being physically or emotionally present for you—in your own life?
Reflection Question: How can you turn your “face” toward others in your life to show them care and attention?
2. The Beauty of Growth
Scripture tells us Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:40, 52). He experienced human development, showing us that growth and change are part of being human.
Reflection Question: When you think about your own growth—physically, spiritually, or emotionally—what have been some moments of challenge or awkwardness? What have been moments of joy?
Reflection Question: How does Jesus’ own process of growth encourage you to embrace your journey of becoming?
3. The Tension of Bodies
Jesus’ resurrected body bore the scars of crucifixion, reminding us of both the beauty and the fragility of our bodies.
Reflection Question: What does it mean to you that Jesus’ resurrected body still had scars? How does this influence the way you view your own wounds, both physical and emotional?
Reflection Question: In what ways can you hold the tension between grief and hope, limitations and possibilities, in your own life?
Practical Application
Take time this week to practice presence. Put away distractions (like your phone) during a conversation or family meal and focus on being fully attentive.
Reflect on an area of your life where you are experiencing growth. How might you embrace this process with more compassion for yourself?
Concluding Prayer
Close your time together with this prayer:
God of incarnation, thank you for entering into our humanity—taking on flesh, living among us, and showing us what it means to be fully human. Help us to embrace the beauty and challenge of our own embodiment. Teach us to be present with one another, to grow with courage, and to hope in the midst of tension. May we follow Jesus, our older brother, with compassion and love. Amen.
