Key Thought: Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth tells us that God is with us, He brings salvation, and we are called to be the children of God.

Son of David, March 26 – April 1, 2016

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 1:21.

Baby Jesus Image © Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What does this statement tell you about the purpose of Christ’s incarnation?
c. Personal Application : Do you believe Jesus saves us in our sins or from our sins? What does that mean? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “Jesus saved us by His perfect life and death on the cross. We don’t have any part to play in our salvation except accept Him. Then we are saved no matter what.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read John 1:1-3.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Why is the virgin birth important to Jesus’ identity and the gospel?
c. Personal Application : If Jesus accepts our faults and shortcomings, how can we learn to do the same with others? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “How can Jesus be with God and be God when the Bible says there is only one God? Wasn’t Jesus called the Son of God?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 1:2-6.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why does Matthew mention women like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth in Jesus’ geneology?
c. Personal Application: How can we learn to relate to those that are outside the normal societal class? What can we do to help them? Share your thoughts.
Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “My pastor said that the word “virgin” could be translated “young woman.” So Jesus was born of a young woman, not necessarily a miraculous birth.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 2:11-14.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why were the pagan wise men more eager to find the Messiah than the King in Israel, who tried to kill Him?
c. Personal Application: How can we who are blessed with much light keep from deceiving ourselves that we are automatically in a right relationship with God because of our knowledge? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148). MH p. 149.

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