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.
Look back (10-15 min)
What are you thankful for and what’s been a challenge this week?
Can we help with or pray about anything shared?
Vision* & Check-in: How did you go with your plan to share/invite or obey from last time?
Look up (10-15 min)
Read this week’s story/passage. Discuss the following questions:
1. What did you like about this passage?
2. What did you find challenging or hard to understand?
Re-read the passage/story (and retell in your own words)
3. What does this say about God/Jesus?
4. What does this say about people?
Look forwards (10-15 min)
What would it mean for me to obey/follow what is taught here?
Who will I share this story with?
Who will I invite to an upcoming event?
If appropriate, pray.
Notes
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
*Vision: “Reaching the world through workers with the good news about Jesus, starting with 100,000 workers in Asia Pacific’’
