Read: (Matthew 1:18-25)
Research:
After reading the verses above, read the comments below to better understand the passage.
A Jewish marriage involved three basic steps. First: the two families agreed to the union. Second: a public announcement was made. At this point, the couple was “pledged.” This was similar to engagement today except that their relationship could be broken only through death or divorce (even though sexual relations were not yet permitted). Third: the couple was married and began living together. Because Mary and Joseph were engaged, Mary's alleged unfaithfulness carried a severe social stigma! According to Jewish civil law, Joseph had a right to divorce her and the Jewish authorities could have had her stoned to death. (see Deuteronomy 22:23, 24)
Why is the virgin birth of Jesus so important to the Christian faith? Take a moment and answer that question. Jesus Christ, God's Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all other beings by Adam. We talked about this last week and how we were all born sinners. Because Jesus was born of a woman, he was also a human being. But, as the Son of God, Jesus was born without any trace of human sin. He is both fully human and fully divine!
Joseph was faced with a very difficult choice after discovering that Mary was pregnant. Perhaps he thought that he had only two options: divorce Mary quietly or have her stoned. But God had a third option – marry her! In view of the circumstances, this had not occurred to Joseph. But God often shows us that there are more options available than we think. Although Joseph seemed to be doing the right thing by breaking off the engagement, it was God's guidance that helped him make the best decision. But that still did not make it an easy decision! Consenting to still marry Mary surely cast doubt on his own innocence regarding the pregnancy, as well as leaving them both with a social stigma that they would carry for the rest of their lives! Yes, Joseph chose to obey the angel's command. We must always seek God's wisdom and then be willing to follow through no matter how difficult it may be!
The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are both supernatural events beyond human logic or human reasoning! Because of this, God sent His angels to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening. (see 2:13, 19; Luke 1;11, 26; 2:9)
The angel declared to Joseph that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be a son. This reveals an important truth about Jesus – He is both God and human! The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so that he could live and die for the salvation of all who believe in Him.
Jesus means “the Lord saves.” Jesus came to earth to save us because we can't save ourselves from our sin and it's consequences! No matter how good we are, we can't eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that! Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves; He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin.
Joseph changed his plans quickly after learning that Mary had not been unfaithful to him. He obeyed God and proceeded with their marriage plans. And although others may have disapproved of his decision, Joseph went ahead with what he knew was the right thing! Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like Joseph, we must also choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others!
Reflect:
Research:
After reading the verses above, read the comments below to better understand the passage.
A Jewish marriage involved three basic steps. First: the two families agreed to the union. Second: a public announcement was made. At this point, the couple was “pledged.” This was similar to engagement today except that their relationship could be broken only through death or divorce (even though sexual relations were not yet permitted). Third: the couple was married and began living together. Because Mary and Joseph were engaged, Mary's alleged unfaithfulness carried a severe social stigma! According to Jewish civil law, Joseph had a right to divorce her and the Jewish authorities could have had her stoned to death. (see Deuteronomy 22:23, 24)
Why is the virgin birth of Jesus so important to the Christian faith? Take a moment and answer that question. Jesus Christ, God's Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all other beings by Adam. We talked about this last week and how we were all born sinners. Because Jesus was born of a woman, he was also a human being. But, as the Son of God, Jesus was born without any trace of human sin. He is both fully human and fully divine!
Joseph was faced with a very difficult choice after discovering that Mary was pregnant. Perhaps he thought that he had only two options: divorce Mary quietly or have her stoned. But God had a third option – marry her! In view of the circumstances, this had not occurred to Joseph. But God often shows us that there are more options available than we think. Although Joseph seemed to be doing the right thing by breaking off the engagement, it was God's guidance that helped him make the best decision. But that still did not make it an easy decision! Consenting to still marry Mary surely cast doubt on his own innocence regarding the pregnancy, as well as leaving them both with a social stigma that they would carry for the rest of their lives! Yes, Joseph chose to obey the angel's command. We must always seek God's wisdom and then be willing to follow through no matter how difficult it may be!
The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are both supernatural events beyond human logic or human reasoning! Because of this, God sent His angels to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening. (see 2:13, 19; Luke 1;11, 26; 2:9)
The angel declared to Joseph that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be a son. This reveals an important truth about Jesus – He is both God and human! The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so that he could live and die for the salvation of all who believe in Him.
Jesus means “the Lord saves.” Jesus came to earth to save us because we can't save ourselves from our sin and it's consequences! No matter how good we are, we can't eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that! Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves; He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin.
Joseph changed his plans quickly after learning that Mary had not been unfaithful to him. He obeyed God and proceeded with their marriage plans. And although others may have disapproved of his decision, Joseph went ahead with what he knew was the right thing! Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like Joseph, we must also choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others!
Reflect:
- What kind of man was Joseph?
- If you had been Mary when she found out she was pregnant, what would be the first thing to pop into your mind? What about Joseph’s thoughts ?
- What could Joseph have done after hearing that Mary, his fiancé was pregnant?
- Why do you think the angel instructed Joseph not to be afraid?
- What reason do we have for any hope according to verse 21?
- How is God with us today? How does he give us hope?
- Jesus was called Immanuel:“God with us”. How do you feel about viewing Jesus as a role model?
Respond:
- Thank Christ for his death on the cross for your sin, and then ask him to take control of your life. Your new life begins at that moment.
- What area of your life needs to be totally submitted to Christ? Are you willing to obey God at any cost?
- How do you plan for your relationship with Jesus to grow this coming year?
- In all honesty, what difference does following Jesus make in your own personal everyday life?
Request:
Give thanks for the specific ways God has been with you and has given you hope.
Excerpted from: Serendipity Bible & The Life Application Study Bible by Zondervan
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| Merry Christmas from the Ortega family! |
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