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SERMON NOTES:
The Arrival of the King
Matthew 1:1-25
This Christmas let us remember that Jesus is the King!
The ___lineage______of Jesus entitles Him to be King. (1-17)
The ____parenthood____of Jesus makes Him the King. (18-20)
The _____mission______ of Jesus is fit for the King. (21)
The ____presence______of Jesus demonstrates the love of the King. (22-23)
Our ___response_________:call on the name of Jesus. (24-25)
study questions:
Matthew 1:1-25
1.Read verses 1-17. Who are the main people in the genealogy of Jesus (see verses 1 and 17)? Why is Matthew emphasizing these two men (consider Genesis 17:5-8 and 2 Samuel 7:12-13)? Why does Matthew take the time to walk through the genealogy of Jesus to begin his description of the good news of Jesus Christ?
2.Read verses 18-19. Remember that a Jewish marriage at the time of Jesus was arranged by parents and included a one-year betrothal period. During this year a couple is considered married, but they would both still live with their parents. At the end of this year the groom would come, with great fanfare, to get his wife and take her to their new home! With this in mind, how do you think Joseph felt when he found out Mary was pregnant? What can you learn about Joseph’s heart from these verses? Would you have responded like Joseph? Why or why not?
3.Read verses 20-23. Take a minute to put yourself in Joseph’s situation. How do you think Joseph felt when the angel arrived? When he was told about Mary’s conception? When he was told the name of Jesus and that Jesus would save his people from their sins? Why is it important that Jesus was indeed born of a virgin according to Matthew? Why is this detail important to us and our faith?
4.Read verses 24-25. How did Joseph respond to the news the angel gave to him? As he responded how do you think he felt? Reluctant? Excited? Numb? Something else?
5.So what? Consider how Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus and a young man at the time, responded at different times during the events leading to the birth of Jesus. What are words that describe his character and heart? Do these same words describe you? How can Joseph’s example encourage you in your own walk with God and in how you handle difficult situations?