Matthew 1:18-21
Today we are reading Matthew 1.
As we read, these verses stood out to me:
Matthew 1:18-21 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Please, take some time to Share Your Thoughts with Us as they relate to this passage.
You can share anything that is on your heart but, if you don't know where to start, try reading these verses and answering one or more of the following "Honest Questions."
Honest Questions
1. God is referred to by many names in the Bible. Which is your favorite and why?
2. When was the last time you stopped to think about the fact that Jesus specifically came into this world to save His people from their sins?
3. When you think about your need for a Savior what emotions stir most frequently in your heart?
4. Angelic activity is not uncommon in the story Jesus. Do you think Angels are as active in our lives as they were in His life? Why or why not?
5. What is the difference between the ministry of Angels and the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Do we underemphasize the importance of either one in our messages?
6. When you think about Joseph and what we know of his relationship with God and Mary, what are some of the characteristics that stand out most to you?
7. There are several interesting characters in the story of Jesus's childhood. Who is your favorite and why?
8. There are many adversities and a lot of complicating factors in Jesus's childhood. Of all the things He had to overcome which do you think was the hardest?
9. How long were you engaged before you got married? What do you remember most about that season of your life? (If you are not yet engaged/married, what are some of the dreams you have related to that aspect of your future?)
10. Have you ever been divorced? If so, what are some of the hardest aspects of that journey? How has the church community treated you in relationship to your divorce? Do you think Joseph was trying to protect himself, Mary, or Jesus when he thought about calling off the marriage?
We use our Basic Bible Reading plan to guide the discussions in this group.
You are not required to purchase one of our plans to be part of this group but, if you would like to get one for yourself or one of your friends you can do so by following this link to our online store:
