Use as a personal reflection or as a group discussion

Supporting the persecuted church sounds like a no brainer but your youth group might need to know why and know that you are not just making this up. Use this quick bible study to introduce the idea and get them on board.

Read: Matthew 2: 1 – 12

Ask or think:

• Why do you think Herod was disturbed when he heard about a king of the Jews being born (v3)

• If you were Herod, how would you have tried to hunt down this new king?

• Thankfully God had it all in hand and in a dream warned the wise men to not return to Herod (v12).

• When Herod heard about this new king he sent out spies and agents to find Jesus. How would it change your faith if you had to be on the look out for secret agents who wanted to shut down your church, arrest Christians or even attack you – a situation faced by many Christians today?

Say/Sum Up

Sadly, secret agents, arrests and attacks are the reality for many Christians around the world. It even effects the children and there is no rest from it over Christmas.