1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham…………..18.Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”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.
Matt 1:1, 18-25
Q & A：
- How does the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing all the way to being a son of Abraham reveal about God’s unconditional love towards us? What can you learn about God’s character from God’s unconditional covenant with Abraham. (Mat 1:1,18-25; Gen 12:3; Gen 15:17-18)
- What is a covenant and how is it different from a contract of the world. Discuss the importance of honoring and the consequence of violating the covenant from the Gibeonites passage. (Num 23:19; 2 Sam 21:1-5,7)
- Discuss what God expects us to experience when He has declared to us that He is Immanuel (God with us), in regards to God’s wisdom, God’s nature, and possessions. What is the true meaning of celebrating Christmas for you? (Mat 1:23; Jam 1:5-6; Gal 5:22-23; Luk 15:31)