Day 6 - Matthew 1

1. How is Jesus described in 1:1 (3 things)? What is the significance of each piece of information?

2. In. vv. 2-16, identify one person listed and look for them in the Old Testament.

3. From v. 21, what is the significance of the name "Jesus"? In other words, why was Joseph to give the baby this name?

4. Maybe the second half of this chapter is familiar to you because it is often read during the Christmas season (and/or Luke's version). As you read it again now, slowly and deliberately, what aspect of it really grabs hold of you? Is there a detail here that you sometimes overlook?

5. Reflecting on the chapter as a whole, why, in your view, does the genealogy of Jesus matter? It other words, how do these details help us to understand who Jesus was when he arrived on the scene, and who he is to us in our lives now?

6. It is often said, "you can't pick your family." But, in Jesus' case, he did. Why do you think he chose these particular people? How might that encourage us?

7. There is a clue about why Jesus planned the time, the place and the circumstances for his birth (incarnation). Can you find this clue in the chapter? (Hint: "fulfill")

As we begin what will be a 5-week study reading Matthew's gospel (28 chapters), we remember what Jesus accomplished at the resurrection in Matthew 28, and we remember his promise towards the end of that chapter: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.

Take a moment to let that set in. The Jesus introduced to us in Matthew 1, who arrived through extraordinary and spectacular events (conceived by the Holy Spirit), is present with you, and he is inviting you to a yet deeper experience of life.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we read about the things Jesus said and did, would we be totally captivated, and inspired, and empowered, to live like him - and to live for him. Are you ready?