Your Kingdom Come—The Gospel of Matthew

Genealogy (Matthew 1)

Paul McIlwraith

January 8, 2023

With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions:

1. Do you have a fascination with your family genealogy? Have you produced a “Family Tree”? In your group, share some interesting things you have learned about your ancestors.
2. Have you read through all four of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) in the bible? From your perspective, what are some of the similarities, differences and unique features of each of the Gospels?
3. Why does Matthew starting with a genealogy in his Gospel tend to specifically resonate with the Jewish people of his day? What are some of the other features in Matthew that connect with this demographic?
4. Why is the inclusion of women in Matthew’s genealogy so important? How does it give us clues about the kind of people Jesus came to save?
5. In what ways does this genealogy demonstrate that God keeps His Word?
6. Why is the genealogy a reminder for grandparents, parents and children to continue to pray for their family members?
7. How does the genealogy demonstrate the humility of Jesus and the hope he has to offer humanity?
8. Discuss the ways that you are hoping to grow and engage with Jesus through this series on the Gospel of Matthew in the coming weeks.

Prayer and Action Item

Pray for one another out of the key points that were discussed. Pray that God would open your heart in new ways to the life and ministry of Jesus described in the Gospel of Matthew as we begin this new teaching series.