Matthew 1

The Genealogy of Jesus

1. Review some of the names noted in the genealogy of Jesus.

-Do some names sound familiar? Discuss some of the history associated with these names.

2. There are 4 women named in Matthew's genealogy. 

-Who were these women? 

At least 2 of these women lived lives of questionable character- Rahab was a prosititute, Bathsheba committed adultery...

-Why were they included in Jesus' genealogy?

3. Review vs 16. Why is Joseph noted as the husband of Mary, but not the father of Jesus?

4. In vs 18, we read that Mary was found to be pregnant.

-If you were Mary, how would you have reacted to this information? 

-What would have been the reaction within her family?

5. Vs 19 indicates that Joseph wanted to deal with Mary's pregnancy quietly.

-What would have been Mary's outcome if Joseph had decided to expose her?

-What does this say about Joseph's character?

6. Review the information that the angel tells Joseph in verses 20 and 21.

-If you were Joseph, how would you respond to this information?

-If you were Joseph, would it be more difficult to believe that Jesus was conceived from the Holy Spirit or that Jesus would save His people from their sins?

-Matthew doesn't record any dialogue that Joseph may have had with this angel. What are some questions that you would have asked?

6. Review vs 22 and 23. 

-Why did Matthew reference a prophet in the Old Testament in regard to the birth of Jesus?

-Why would it be necessary to link Jesus' birth with prior prophesies?

7. Vs 25 indicates that Jesus was born of a virgin.

-Why is this important? 

-What else can we say about Mary from this text? For instance, is there any evidence that Mary was without sin?

Additional reading: Luke 3:23-38

-Discuss some of the differences between the two sections and the genealogies of Jesus.

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 1

.