The book of Matthew is written to show that Jesus is the long expected Messiah, prophesied embodiment of God, true symbol of peace, and redemption for the chosen sinners as promised.
If nothing else gets you pumped up today, let the perfect example, and fulfilment of much old testament prophecy, that is Jesus fill you with joy and excitement! We are together in chapter one today, verses 18-25, which is the angelic announcement of Jesus the Messiah. Praise King Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What does it mean to be betrothed? [v.18]
+ Why is Joseph significant? (hint: look at the first 17 verses) [v.18]
+ What is the exclamation of the word behold? [v.20]
+ What is a way that God chooses to talk to us? [v.20]
+ What is the prophecy/OT passage that is being fulfilled in this verse? [v.22-23]
+ What actions and character does Joseph show in these verses? [v.24-25]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How are you living in the Way of Jesus? Are there ways you can follow after Joseph’s trust, and be obedient to the LORD today?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?