The Way of Jesus Week 1 - Who is Jesus and Why Should I Care?

Today we start a series of studies on the Gospel of Matthew.
Start you time by watching the following video. While longish, it will be helpful in getting a sense of where the book is going.

 
 
 

Read Matthew 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

  1. What stands out to you from this passage?

  2. What names or titles are given to Jesus in this narrative, and what does each tell us about Him and His mission?

  3. How are these descriptions different to how people in our culture tend to think of Jesus?

  4. Why do people find it hard to accept that they need saving from sin?

  5. What do you notice about the work of the Holy Spirit, and why might this be significant? (see Genesis 1:2 & Isaiah 11:1-3)

  6. Joseph obeyed God and married even though he risked embarrassment or being seen as immoral by his culture, Is there anything God is calling you to be obedient in even if it feels risky?

    Pray

    Thank God that he sent Jesus as a solution to our problem of sin.
    Pray through any areas of confession, or lack of obedience that God is putting on your heart.