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Summit Church
I See You Pt 2 | Big Dreams in a Limited World | Jim Ladd
Locations & Times
Summit Church
7200 S Clinton St, Centennial, CO 80112, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
The Big Idea: God turns "ordinary" into extraordinary.
Luke 1:26-38
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
Mary's "Magnificat" is a massive clue and guide
Luke 1:46-56
“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”
Luke 1:46-56
“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”
1. Your status is no limit for God
Mary’s smallness wasn’t an obstacle; it was the invitation
Mary’s smallness wasn’t an obstacle; it was the invitation
1 Corinthians 1:18-29
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
Mary had every reason to believe she wasn’t the one:
- Poor
- Young
- Female in a patriarchal world
- From Nazareth—“Can anything good come from there?”
- Poor
- Young
- Female in a patriarchal world
- From Nazareth—“Can anything good come from there?”
Yet God saw her differently:
- Line of David(God had placed her in a story she didn’t even know she carried)
- Found favor with God
- Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit
- Confirmed by Elizabeth's miracle and affirmation (“And blessed is she who believed…”
- Line of David(God had placed her in a story she didn’t even know she carried)
- Found favor with God
- Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit
- Confirmed by Elizabeth's miracle and affirmation (“And blessed is she who believed…”
Extraordinary People from Small, Unremarkable Towns
-- Hodgenville, Kentucky - Abraham Lincoln
— Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Dolly Parton
— Mvezo, South Africa. Nelson Mandela
— Kosciusko, Mississippi. Oprah Winfrey
-- Kingsland, Arkansas. Johnny Cash
— Marceline, Missouri. Walt Disney
— Dorchester County, Maryland (rural farm region). Harriet Tubman
Your limitations are not liabilities to God—just ingredients for His glory.
God specializes in using the unlikely to do the unimaginable.
-- Hodgenville, Kentucky - Abraham Lincoln
— Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Dolly Parton
— Mvezo, South Africa. Nelson Mandela
— Kosciusko, Mississippi. Oprah Winfrey
-- Kingsland, Arkansas. Johnny Cash
— Marceline, Missouri. Walt Disney
— Dorchester County, Maryland (rural farm region). Harriet Tubman
Your limitations are not liabilities to God—just ingredients for His glory.
God specializes in using the unlikely to do the unimaginable.
2. The price of greatness in God will be very high… and worth it.
Mary said “yes” to God… and immediately stepped into:
- social rejection
- whispers
- theological suspicion
- family confusion
- the pain of discipleship
- the sword-piercing-her-own-soul prophecy
But she was anchored by Presence and Mission.
Mary said “yes” to God… and immediately stepped into:
- social rejection
- whispers
- theological suspicion
- family confusion
- the pain of discipleship
- the sword-piercing-her-own-soul prophecy
But she was anchored by Presence and Mission.
The Weeds to Identify Luke 8:14
“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”
Riches — the hope of a safer, easier life
Pleasures — the constant tug of comfort
Worries — the endless swirl in our heads that keeps us spiritually paralyzed
These weeds don’t just hinder greatness; they choke it.
Some of us want Mary’s miracle without Mary’s surrender.
“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”
Riches — the hope of a safer, easier life
Pleasures — the constant tug of comfort
Worries — the endless swirl in our heads that keeps us spiritually paralyzed
These weeds don’t just hinder greatness; they choke it.
Some of us want Mary’s miracle without Mary’s surrender.
3. The Mary Miracle can be yours.
Mary asks, “How will this be?”
Gabriel answers: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
(The dunamis of God is still overshadowing ordinary people.)
Mary asks, “How will this be?”
Gabriel answers: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
(The dunamis of God is still overshadowing ordinary people.)
God still:
- Overshadows the humble
- Fills the unlikely
- Births the impossible
- Makes nobodies unforgettable
When God overshadows you, you don’t get crushed… you get empowered.
- Overshadows the humble
- Fills the unlikely
- Births the impossible
- Makes nobodies unforgettable
When God overshadows you, you don’t get crushed… you get empowered.
You don’t need a bigger platform—just a bigger ‘yes.
Mary’s song is the explosion of a girl who finally realizes: “God saw me. God chose me. God filled me. God uses me.”
Mary’s song is the explosion of a girl who finally realizes: “God saw me. God chose me. God filled me. God uses me.”
Response Time
Mary’s miracle began when she said:
‘I am the Lord’s servant. May Your word to me be fulfilled.’
Mirrors represent:
- Breaking doubt, insecurity, and self-imposed unbelief
- Breaking fear of man
- Breaking the barriers to fruitfulness
“Let it be to me according to Your word.”
Mary’s miracle began when she said:
‘I am the Lord’s servant. May Your word to me be fulfilled.’
Mirrors represent:
- Breaking doubt, insecurity, and self-imposed unbelief
- Breaking fear of man
- Breaking the barriers to fruitfulness
“Let it be to me according to Your word.”
Discussion Guide
Big Dreams in a Limited World
Luke 1:26–38 & Luke 1:46–56
Icebreaker
When you were a kid, what was something big you dreamed of doing one day?
Discussion Questions
1. Many people feel a desire to live greatly yet feel stuck in an “ordinary” life. Where do you personally feel this tension?
2. Mary lived in Nazareth, a place no one expected greatness from. What “Nazareth labels” do you feel you carry—things that make you think nothing great can come from you?
3. Mary’s status—poor, young, female, unknown—was not a limitation to God. How do you typically interpret your own limitations: as obstacles or as invitations? Why?
4. God had quietly placed Mary within the line of David— she likely didn’t realize what that could mean. Where do you suspect God may have placed you in a story bigger than you understand right now?
5. Elizabeth affirms Mary and speaks blessing over her. Who has affirmed spiritual calling or potential in you—and what impact did that have?
6. Mary’s obedience brought social rejection, whispers, and pain. What is one cost you’ve experienced (or fear experiencing) in obeying God?
7. Luke 8:14 identifies the weeds—worries, riches, and pleasures.
Which of these three tends to choke out spiritual growth for you the most? Why?
8. Mary asks, “How will this be?” God answers with His overshadowing power. What current situations in your life feel impossible unless God empowers them?
9. Mary did not need a bigger platform—she needed a bigger “yes.”
What would a “bigger yes” look like for you this season?
10. Mary’s song shows deep trust before she sees any outcome.
What helps you trust God before results are visible?
11. Mary’s identity becomes: “God saw me. God chose me. God filled me. God uses me.” Which of those four truths is hardest for you to believe—and why?
Luke 1:26–38 & Luke 1:46–56
Icebreaker
When you were a kid, what was something big you dreamed of doing one day?
Discussion Questions
1. Many people feel a desire to live greatly yet feel stuck in an “ordinary” life. Where do you personally feel this tension?
2. Mary lived in Nazareth, a place no one expected greatness from. What “Nazareth labels” do you feel you carry—things that make you think nothing great can come from you?
3. Mary’s status—poor, young, female, unknown—was not a limitation to God. How do you typically interpret your own limitations: as obstacles or as invitations? Why?
4. God had quietly placed Mary within the line of David— she likely didn’t realize what that could mean. Where do you suspect God may have placed you in a story bigger than you understand right now?
5. Elizabeth affirms Mary and speaks blessing over her. Who has affirmed spiritual calling or potential in you—and what impact did that have?
6. Mary’s obedience brought social rejection, whispers, and pain. What is one cost you’ve experienced (or fear experiencing) in obeying God?
7. Luke 8:14 identifies the weeds—worries, riches, and pleasures.
Which of these three tends to choke out spiritual growth for you the most? Why?
8. Mary asks, “How will this be?” God answers with His overshadowing power. What current situations in your life feel impossible unless God empowers them?
9. Mary did not need a bigger platform—she needed a bigger “yes.”
What would a “bigger yes” look like for you this season?
10. Mary’s song shows deep trust before she sees any outcome.
What helps you trust God before results are visible?
11. Mary’s identity becomes: “God saw me. God chose me. God filled me. God uses me.” Which of those four truths is hardest for you to believe—and why?