The Real Jesus: Matthew 1:18-25
Christmas in September
Matthew 1:18-25
This year in House Church we will be reading and discussing the Gospel of Matthew to better understand who Jesus is and what he has done.
Matthew was one of Jesus' 12 disciples and he left his profession as a tax collector to follow Him. The purpose of his gospel was to give evidence to his Jewish brothers that Jesus was the one they had been looking for. He wanted them (and us) to see that Jesus was the long awaited messiah and King. He would be the one to make all things right, and restore the broken relationship between God and man. Matthew's life was radically transformed by an encounter with Jesus, and our prayer is that through this study you will encounter Jesus through His word, and be transformed just like Matthew.
Matthew 1:18-25
This year in House Church we will be reading and discussing the Gospel of Matthew to better understand who Jesus is and what he has done.
Matthew was one of Jesus' 12 disciples and he left his profession as a tax collector to follow Him. The purpose of his gospel was to give evidence to his Jewish brothers that Jesus was the one they had been looking for. He wanted them (and us) to see that Jesus was the long awaited messiah and King. He would be the one to make all things right, and restore the broken relationship between God and man. Matthew's life was radically transformed by an encounter with Jesus, and our prayer is that through this study you will encounter Jesus through His word, and be transformed just like Matthew.
These questions are written to be used during our house church meetings. If you find yourself unable or attend a gathering this week we encourage you to use these questions at home to sink more deeply into this series.
Opening Questions:
Opening Questions:
- What is a story you've either heard about your own birth, or about one of your kids' births that is still memorable today?
What was something that you either looked forward to about being a parent, or something that scared(s) you?
Read and Reflect: Read Matthew 1:18-25
- What stands out to you in this passage?
- Why do you think it was important for Jesus to be born of a virgin?
- In those days, Joseph could have put Mary on public display, shamed her, and possibly even put her to death for being pregnant out of wedlock. How do you think you would have reacted if you were in Joseph's shoes?
- Both Mary and Joseph were visited by angels telling them God's plan for them. With all the voices around us, including our own, how do you discern which voice is right?
- "God with us" - Immanuel. The prophet Isaiah wrote this about 600 years before Jesus' birth. What do you think it says about God, that he would come down in this most vulnerable state to be with His people?
Go Deeper:
- What are some ways you can better discern, or listen for, God's voice in your own life?
- Are there moments in your life where you've felt The Lord speaking to you? How did you react?
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.
Announcements:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.
Announcements:
- Gathering Kids Training: All current volunteers and anyone interested in helping serve our kids' ministry is invited to attend. Sunday, September 15th from 8:30-9:30AM in the Library at Westlake.
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