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Good Tidings to All People

Shepherds hurried, Simeon and Anna waited, wise men traveled far: very different people found their way to the Christ child

  • 📖 Adult Sunday School
  • Week 2
  • 📅 Sunday, January 10, 2027
💡 The big idea

From the first night, very different people found their way to Jesus Christ: shepherds in a field, an old man and a widow in the temple, travelers from the east. The good tidings were “to all people,” and each of us can come to Him, worship Him and help someone else find Him.

I can come to Jesus Christ as the shepherds, Simeon, Anna and the wise men did, seek Him in His house, act on the guidance He gives, and help someone else find Him.

Study it yourself firstRead Matthew 2; Luke 2 in Gospel LibraryCome, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Matthew 2; Luke 2)
Know the chapters

Luke 2 is so familiar that we can stop seeing it. The manual invites us to slow down and ask why things happened as they did. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” The word manger comes from a Latin word meaning “to eat.” The One laid there would call Himself the bread of life in John 6:35. The first to hear were shepherds. The newborn would become the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep, in John 10:11. In Matthew 2:2 a new star marks His birth. In John 8:12 He’s the light of the world.

Today’s story moves from the fields to the temple. The law set forty days after a birth, in Leviticus 12:2–4. Then Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem. In Luke 2:24 they offer “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” In Leviticus 12:8, that’s the offering for a family who can’t afford a lamb. They were carrying the Lamb of God. Simeon was “just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The Holy Ghost had promised he’d see the Lord’s Christ before he died. In Luke 2:25–27 he “came by the Spirit into the temple” at that very moment. Anna was a prophetess and a widow “of about fourscore and four years.” In 2:36–38 she serves God “with fastings and prayers night and day.” She speaks of Him “to all them that looked for redemption.”

Matthew 2 adds wise men from the east. They followed a new star to worship “the young child” in a “house.” That’s Matthew 2:11, probably some time after the birth. Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Christ would be born. In Matthew 2:4–6 they answer at once by quoting Micah. Bethlehem was only a few miles away. Yet the record never says any of them went. In 2:13–14 Joseph is warned in a dream and takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt by night. In 2:19–23, more dreams guide him to settle in Nazareth. The manual teaches that parents, and all of us, can receive revelation to protect those in our care. Keep Herod’s cruelty in 2:16 brief.

With 25 minutes, walk through Luke 2 in five short readings. Then use the discussion to compare the witnesses, wise men included. Joseph’s warning dream is ready as a bonus step. Jesus in the temple at twelve, from Luke 2:41–52, is in the extras.

Only have 5 minutes?

Read Luke 2 in five short stops: verses 4–7, 8–12, 15–19, 28–32 and 36–38. Open with the house-of-bread question. Ask one question after each stop. Study Luke 2:10–11 closely. Give the most time to comparing the witnesses. That’s the shepherds, Simeon, Anna and the wise men. Close with Matthew 2:11, and invite everyone to bring the Savior a gift this week.

What to bring2 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Read Luke 2:1–38 straight through, then Matthew 2. Mark Luke 2:7, 10–11, 19, 25–27 and 37–38, and Matthew 2:4–6 and 11.
  2. Decide which witness you relate to most right now, and why. If the room is quiet, you’ll go first.

Discussion tips

  • “We’ve heard this a hundred times”? Ask the class to listen for one detail they’ve never noticed. Adults who grew up with the Nativity often find the most in small words. Try “with haste,” “by the Spirit” or “another way.”
  • Honor the older members of your class. Simeon and Anna are both elderly, and their long faithfulness is the point. Someone who has served in the temple for years will enrich the discussion.
  • Quiet class? Wait a little longer than feels comfortable. Then share which witness you relate to most and why. Your honesty gives others permission.
  • Matthew 2:16 is hard to read. If it comes up, name the grief of those families plainly and briefly. Point to the Savior who came to redeem even that sorrow. Don’t dwell on it.
  • Visitors or new members? Say that everyone knows parts of this story. Invite them to share what Christmas means in their culture or family. Never ask anyone to read aloud without checking first.
  • One voice filling every pause? Thank them warmly, then say, “Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t had a chance yet.”

The 25-minute plan25 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Each “On the screen” line is what the class sees on a shared screen in Teach Mode in the Gospel Sparks app; on paper, read it aloud or write it on the board.

1. Hook

The House of Bread

3 min

Opens with a detail most adults have never noticed, so a familiar story feels new.

  1. SAY“Bethlehem means ‘house of bread,’ and a manger is a feeding trough.”
  2. Ask, “In John 6, Jesus calls Himself the bread of life. Why might He be born in the house of bread and laid in a feeding trough?”
  3. Take three or four answers. Welcome every thoughtful one.
  4. SAY“The Nativity is so familiar we can stop seeing it. Today let’s watch who came to the child, and what they did afterward.”

On the screen: 🍞 Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Why would the Bread of Life be born there?

2. Story

Luke 2 in Five Short Stops

10 min

Walks through Luke 2 a few verses at a time, from the manger to the fields to the temple, with one question at each stop.

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Luke 2 in five short readings. Listen for one detail you’ve never noticed before.”
  2. Show one scene at a time. Give the one-line setup. You or a volunteer reads the passage.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
  4. After the last reading, sum up verses 39–40. The family returns to Nazareth, and the child grows, “filled with wisdom.” Let the quiet sit.

On the screen: 🐑 Luke 2: a manger, shepherds in the field, and two faithful witnesses in the temple · Five short readings: 2:4–7 · 8–12 · 15–19 · 28–32 · 36–38

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: The shared screen (TV or device) with Teach Mode open

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Luke 2 in five short readings. Listen for one detail you’ve never noticed.”
  2. Read verses 4–7, 8–12, 15–19, 28–32 and 36–38. Give each setup in your own words first. You or a volunteer reads.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question aloud and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
3. Scripture

Unto You

3 min

Studies Luke 2:10–11 closely so class members hear the good news as both universal and personal.

  1. SAY“Let’s slow down on the angel’s announcement.”
  2. Read Luke 2:10–11 while the class follows on the screen.
  3. Ask, “Find the phrase that makes this message for everyone. Now find the one that makes it personal. Why does it matter that it’s both?”
  4. Point out that the first to hear of the Lamb of God spent their nights watching lambs. Share Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s words from “From general conference” below.

On the screen: 📣 “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” · Luke 2:10–11 · Find “to all people” and “unto you.”

4. Talk it over

Many Kinds of Witnesses

6 min

Compares the witnesses of Christ’s birth to see the many ways people come to Him, then and now.

  1. SAY“The shepherds, Simeon, Anna and the wise men all found the Christ child. Each came a different way. Let’s talk about how people find Him today.”
  2. Pick two or three questions. Ask one, wait, then ask its follow-up before you move on.
  3. If the room is quiet, share which witness you relate to most right now, and why.
💬 Ask the class
  • Some came by angels. Some came by the Spirit, or a lifetime of faithful waiting, or a star. What does that variety tell you about how people come to Him today? Follow-up: How did you come to Him?
  • Which witness do you relate to most right now? Follow-up: What might the Lord be inviting you to do next?
  • In Matthew 2, verses 4 to 6, the chief priests know exactly where the Christ will be born. It’s only a few miles away. Yet the record never says they went. What keeps people who know the right answer from coming? Follow-up: Where might we be answering correctly, but staying home?
  • The shepherds and Anna couldn’t stop talking about Him. What makes it natural for you to speak of the Savior? Follow-up: Who might be ready to hear it from you?
  • Simeon and Anna found Him in the temple. What have you found of the Savior in the Lord’s house? Follow-up: What helps you notice Him there?

On the screen: 🧭 Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, wise men: what brought each one to Jesus, and what did they do next? · Luke 2:15–38 · Matthew 2:1–12

5. Testimony

Come and Worship

3 min

Ends with testimony of the Savior whose birth was good tidings for all, and an invitation to come to Him this week.

  1. SAY“The wise men’s long journey ended on their knees. They ‘fell down, and worshipped him.’”
  2. SAY“Would one or two of you share what helps you truly worship Him?”
  3. Bear a short testimony. Jesus Christ is the Saviour born “unto you.” Every sincere seeker who comes to Him finds Him.
  4. Invite: “This week, bring the Savior a gift. It could be time in His house, or a quiet hour in the scriptures. Or help someone who hasn’t found Him yet.”

On the screen: 🎁 They fell down, and worshipped him, and presented unto him gifts. · Matthew 2:11 · This week: bring Him a gift.

6. Talk it over

Warned in a Dream

4 minBONUS

Uses Joseph’s example to talk about seeking and acting on revelation for the people in our care.

  1. SAY“After the wise men left, Joseph was warned in a dream.”
  2. Read Matthew 2:13–14. Mention that in 2:19–23, two more dreams guide Joseph home to Nazareth.
  3. SAY“Parents can receive revelation to protect those in their care. So can anyone responsible for others.”
  4. Ask one or two questions with follow-ups, then close on time.
💬 Ask the class
  • In verse 14, Joseph “arose” and left “by night.” What does his quick response teach about acting on revelation? Follow-up: When has acting quickly on a prompting mattered for you?
  • What physical and spiritual dangers do the people you love face today? Follow-up: How has God guided you to help protect them?
  • Parents or not, we all have people in our care. Family, friends, the people we minister to, a class. How do you seek revelation for them? Follow-up: What has helped you recognize it?

On the screen: 🌙 Joseph arose, took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt. · Matthew 2:13–14

Read it together

Witnesses in the Field and the Temple

Luke 2:4–7; Luke 2:8–12; Luke 2:15–19; Luke 2:28–32; Luke 2:36–38 ↗

Scenes

  1. 🏠 No room for them in the inn

    In Luke 2, verses 1 to 3, Caesar Augustus sends out a decree. Everyone must go to his own city to be taxed. Now read verses 4 to 7. Notice the last line: “because there was no room for them in the inn.”

    💬 Ask: The Savior of the world arrived to no room. Where might He still be looking for room in our lives, homes or ward?

  2. 🌌 Good tidings to shepherds on the night shift

    Now verses 8 to 12. The first to hear are shepherds, keeping watch by night. The news is for “all people.” And yet, “unto you is born this day.”

    💬 Ask: Why do you think the first announcement went to shepherds, not to the temple or the palace? Follow-up: What does that tell you about Him?

  3. 🏃 They came with haste

    In verses 13 and 14, heaven fills with praise: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Now read verses 15 to 19. Notice two responses. The shepherds tell everyone. And Mary “pondered them in her heart.”

    💬 Ask: Some of us are quick to tell, like the shepherds. Some are quiet ponderers, like Mary. Which are you? Follow-up: How has each kind helped your faith?

  4. 👴 “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation”

    In verses 21 to 27, forty days have passed. Jesus is brought to the temple with two turtledoves. That was the offering of a family who couldn’t afford a lamb. Simeon was promised he’d see the Lord’s Christ. Now he comes “by the Spirit into the temple.” Read verses 28 to 32.

    💬 Ask: Simeon was led by the Spirit to the right place at the right moment. When has the Spirit put you where you needed to be?

  5. 🙌 Anna gives thanks and spreads the word

    In verses 33 to 35, Simeon warns Mary that “a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also.” Now read verses 36 to 38. Anna has been a widow for decades. She served God “with fastings and prayers night and day.”

    💬 Ask: Simeon and Anna waited a lifetime. What do their long, faithful lives teach you about how to wait for the Lord?

Key verse

Luke 2:10–11 ↗
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
In plain words: The first announcement of the Savior’s birth was good news meant for everyone in the world, and at the same time it was personal: He was born “unto you.”

More verses

Luke 2:19 ↗
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
In plain words: While everyone else was talking, Mary quietly treasured what she had seen and kept thinking about it.
Luke 2:29–32 ↗
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”
In plain words: Simeon had waited his whole life. Holding the baby, he said he could now die in peace, because he had seen the Savior of all people.
Matthew 2:11 ↗
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
In plain words: The wise men’s long journey ended on their knees. They worshipped Him and gave Him their treasures.
Luke 2:52 ↗
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
In plain words: Jesus grew up in every way: in understanding, in body, in His relationship with God, and in His relationships with people.

From general conference

“These roles and symbols are powerfully complementary—who better to succor each precious lamb than the Good Shepherd, and who better to be our Good Shepherd than the Lamb of God?”

— Elder Gerrit W. Gong, “Good Shepherd, Lamb of God,” April 2019

Share in Unto You, after pointing out that shepherds were the first to hear of the Lamb of God.

Read the talk ↗

Songs

  • Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains Hymns, no. 212

    A hymn about the shepherds who heard the good tidings first. Find it ↗

  • O Little Town of Bethlehem Hymns, no. 208

    A quiet hymn for pondering the details of His birth, as Mary did. Find it ↗

This week’s invitation

Bring Him a Gift

The wise men traveled far and opened their treasures. This week, bring the Savior a gift of your own. Give time in His house or an unhurried hour in the scriptures. Or give a sincere invitation to someone still looking for Him. And like Mary in Luke 2:19, keep one thing from Luke 2 and ponder it all week.

Take it home

In Sunday School we read Luke 2 and Matthew 2. In Luke 2:10–11, angels bring good tidings, and shepherds hurry to Bethlehem. Simeon and Anna recognize the baby in the temple. Wise men travel far to worship Him. At dinner, ask which witness each person would most like to have been, and why.

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

📍 The Chief Priests Stayed Home · 4 min

  1. Read Matthew 2:4–6 and Micah 5:2.
  2. Point out that the chief priests and scribes knew the answer instantly. Bethlehem was only a few miles from Jerusalem.
  3. Ask, “What’s the difference between knowing about Christ and coming to Him?” Follow-up: “Where might I have the right answer but still stay home?”

💔 A Sword Through Thy Soul · 4 min

  1. Read Simeon’s words to Mary in Luke 2:34–35.
  2. Ask, “Why might the Lord let Mary hear this so early?” Follow-up: “How could a hard truth be a kindness?”
  3. Connect it to John 19:25–27, where Mary stands near the cross.

🔍 Symbols in the Details · 4 min

  1. Read John 6:35 and John 10:11. Point back to the house of bread, the feeding trough and the shepherds in Luke 2.
  2. Ask, “What does each detail of His birth teach about who He is and what He came to do?”
  3. Invite the class to name any other detail from His birth that teaches something about Him.

📏 About My Father’s Business · 5 min

  1. Explain that at twelve, Jesus stayed behind at the temple, in Luke 2:41–45. Read Luke 2:46–49. The Joseph Smith Translation says the doctors were hearing Him and asking Him questions.
  2. Read Luke 2:52. Ask, “Which of those four kinds of growth needs your attention this year?”
  3. Ask, “How would you describe ‘my Father’s business’ in your own life right now?”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

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