God With Us (Immanuel)

Matthew 1:1-25, Key Verse: 1:23

“‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”

1. Read verses 1-6. Why does Matthew’s genealogy start with Abraham? What was God’s promise to Abraham? (Ge 12:2; Ge 22:18) What role did the women here play in God’s plan (Ge 38:25,26; Heb 11:31; Ru 1:14,16)?
2. Read verses 7-16. What was God’s promise to David (2Sa 7:12-16)? What led to the exile to Babylon (Jer 25:4,8)? How does this genealogy show how God’s hope is maintained even in dark times?
3. Read verses 18-20. What was the earthly situation of Jesus’ parents? How are Joseph’s good characteristics described? Why was divorcing Mary not God’s plan for Joseph, even though it seemed “righteous”? How did God help Joseph understand this? 
4. Read verses 21-23. What do these verses teach us about who Jesus is? How did God show that He was with His people throughout history? What does it mean to us that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us?
5. Read verses 24-25. What action did Joseph take after hearing God’s word? What role did he play in God’s plan to send the Messiah? How might we have a similar role to Joseph in bringing God’s kingdom to earth?