Immanuel!

Matthew 1:1,17,18-25

Key Verse 1:23

1. Skim through 1:1-17 and consider Matthew’s focus on three periods of time: 1) from Abraham to David; 2) from David to exile [to Babylon]; and 3) from the exile to the Christ. What is the significance of these three periods in the history of the Israelites? (2 Chronicles 5:14; Ezekiel 10:18; 1Pe 5:10)

2. Read verse 18. Mary was found to be with child “through the Holy Spirit”. What shows that “the child” was conceived without human intervention? What does the expression “through the Holy Spirit” indicate about “the” child? (1Co 15:45; Romans 8:2) 

3. Read verses 19-21. An angel of the Lord called Joseph “son of David”. What is the significance of this title? Why was he “afraid” to take Mary home? (Deuteronomy 22:20-24) Yet, why shouldn’t he be afraid to do so?  What is the child’s mission? What is the significance of this mission? How can Joseph participate in this mission? 

4. Read verses 22-23. Who is “the prophet”? What does the prophecy given through “the prophet” tell us about the child? “Immanuel” means “God with us”. What does the title mean to us living in the 21^st Century? (Isaiah 9:6)

5. Read verses 24-25. How do you think Joseph was able to obey the Lord’s command? (19)  

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