1. The genealogy of Jesus in 1.1-17. Verse 17 states there are 14 generations from Abraham to David and 14 from David to the exile to Babuylon and 14 from the exile to Christ. Count the generations and find out how many there are…
a. Possible explanations: scribe missed some (does not correspond with 1 Chronicles 3.15, The risen Christ is the 14th, others? Not quite symmetrical, include david twice?
b. What do we make of Matthew skipping some!!!
i. Significance of 14s (7×6). Christ = coming near the 7th 7
c. What do you make of the inclusion of women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, who isn’t mentioned…) as well as less than savory characters?
i. How do you feel about that?
d. What is the Siginifcance of “Son of David” – will be mentioned 10 times
2. 1.23 has a prophecy! Let’s look back at the reference: Isaiah 7.14 and see what it says! What gives?!?!?! That has nothing to do with Jesus! Explanations? Significance?
3. Compare Matthew and Luke’s version of the birth narratives… who focuses on what? Without needing to necessarily harmonize the two, which is, in this case, essentially fine, how does Matthew’s focus on J figure into Jesus’ role?
4. Try to imagine yourself in Mary’s sandals… how does the news affect you? HS? Where have we heard this before? Significance?
5. Questions on Mary and Joseph’s relationship and possible divorce?
6. What can we take home from what we learned today?
Theme to look for: fulfillment of God’s soverign purpose
