The incarnation of Jesus into the bloodline of humanity is a message that says Jesus is not afraid of sin. He enters our messy lives...He wraps Himself in the swaddling cloths of our wicked souls and takes residence there...He enters the dirty mangers of dead hearts and brings life. The genealogy of Jesus reveals the ones He came to save...the ones He came to bring rest.
Open: Describe a time you experienced the “mess” of Christmas:
Read: Matthew 1:1-17; Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Samuel 7:9,12-13; Galatians 4:4-5; Matthew 11:28-30
1. In what ways do you see “mess” of the Christmas season? How does the hustle, bustle and commercialism hinder the true focus of Christ, Jesus?
2. Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy. Are you aware of your personal family history? If so, can you share it: Why did Matthew begin with a genealogy? Why was a genealogy so important to the Jewish people? Explain the context of the Jews frustration in the context of the rst century:
3. As you read through the genealogy, what names stand out to you? Why? Describe a few of the stories associated with the names in the genealogy:
4. How does the genealogy of Jesus demonstrate both the character of God and the character of humanity? In what ways are the promises of God shown through the genealogy?
5. Matthew gives 3 sections of 14 generations in the genealogy. What does it seem that he is trying to show us? How is Jesus rest for the mess we nd in our lives today? In what ways are you leaning into Jesus in the midst of your mess? How would you say you are re ecting the lineage of Jesus?
Pray: Pray that you would take the next step that God is leading you to in your personal spiritual journey and the church.
Memorize/Meditate: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5