Matthew 1:24-25
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
Matthew 2:1-11
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
CG Discussion Points
- Explain why King Herod felt so threatened by the news about the birth of Jesus. What was the point that Herod missed? (Matthew 1:3-4; John 18:35-36)
- What is the meaning of the name “Jesus”? What power does it have and why? (Luke 1:30-32; John 1:1-3,14; Philippians 2:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-21; Mark 16:17-18)
- What symbolized the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus when they worshipped him? Why is worship so important in the church? (Matthew 2:1-2,11; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 9:11-12; John 4:23)
- Describe the fruit of Mary and Joseph when they were willing to obey the word of God. How are you willing to obey God’s plan for your life? (Matthew 1:24; Luke 1:38; Luke 19:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)