Son of David, Son of Abraham

In one paragraph

The message worked through Matthew 1 and 2 as part of an ongoing harmony of the gospels series, looking at the genealogy and birth narrative of Jesus from Matthew's perspective to complement the Luke account covered the previous week. The preacher drew attention to details that often get passed over: the outsiders in Jesus' bloodline, Joseph's quiet mercy, the Magi's willingness to follow what...

Read together

1. Luke 2:8-11 read during the Advent candle lighting as the candle of joy passage about shepherds and the angel's announcement
2. Psalm 115:1 read before the offering: not to us, O Lord, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness
3. Matthew 1:1-2:23 the main sermon text, walked through verse by verse covering the genealogy of Jesus, the birth narrative, the magi, the flight to Egypt, and the return to Nazareth
4. Micah 5:2 quoted by the chief priests and scribes when Herod asked where the Messiah was to be born: from you will come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel
5. Jeremiah 31:15 cited as the fulfilled prophecy after the slaughter of the innocents: a voice heard in Ramah, Rachel weeping for her children

Talk about it

1. The preacher was struck by the idea that Jesus, as Joseph's adopted son, knows what it is like to be adopted and possibly derided because of his origins. How does that reality change the way you think about what Jesus entered into when he took on flesh?
2. Matthew's genealogy includes people with serious moral failures, outsider women like Rahab and Ruth, and names that were deliberately left out because of unrepentant evil connections. What does the shape of that list say to you about how God works through human history?
3. The preacher contrasted the magi, who were outsiders actively following the signs God gave, with the chief priests and scribes, who knew the prophecies but were not looking. What do you think causes people who know the truth to miss what God is doing right in front of them?
4. Joseph is described as a righteous man who, before the angel spoke to him, was already planning to handle the situation with grace and mercy toward Mary. Then, every time God directed him in a dream, he got up and obeyed immediately. What do you think the connection is between Joseph's character and his readiness to hear and act on God's direction?
5. The preacher noted that the birth narrative is full of suffering, not just for Jesus but for everyone around him, including the families of Bethlehem who lost their children. How do you hold that weeping and lament alongside the joy of the Christmas story?