Looking at the birth of Jesus through the eyes and experience of Mary.
Matthew 1:18-25
SERMON OUTLINE
“’The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:23)
The Obedience of Mary
- Her place in the genealogy
- Contrast with Eve
The Role of the Holy Spirit
- God is fully holy and Mary is honored
- Parallel with Genesis
- Dignity of the body in the incarnation
Mary the Virgin Mother
- This is something new and different through God’s power and initiative alone
- Fulfillment of Isaiah 7:9-11
- Significance of Immanuel
Mary the Highly Favored One
- Although she has no position, she is the “favored one”
- She responds with bold faith, surrender, and humble obedience
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who has been one of the most important people to you in your journey of faith? Why?
- This week we continue our series, “Family Tree,” by looking at Mary in Matthew 1:18-25. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud.
- The genealogy of Jesus concludes in Matthew 1:16 with a final word about Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. What do you notice about Mary’s unique role here?
- Matthew’s gospel focuses largely on Joseph’s part in Jesus’ birth and early years. However, we still see some very important things about Mary and her role in Jesus’ birth. What do you notice about her from verses 18-19?
- Why do you think it is important that the child within her is from the Holy Spirit (see verses 18 and 20)?
- In verses 22-23 the author connects a prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 with Mary’s conception of Jesus. What is important in this verse?
- In Luke’s Gospel we have a greater focus on Mary than on Joseph. Read Luke 1:26-38. What stands out to you about Mary from this passage?
- Mary’s response to God’s call is impressive. What might have been on the line for Mary in making this unique response?
- How might Mary be a model of discipleship and relationship with God for us?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study on Mary from Matthew 1? If you’re on your own, write that down and pray over that this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Mary’s words in Luke 1:38 and/or 1:46-55
- Consider reading about Mary in all of the New Testament accounts of her:
- Matthew 1:16, 18-25; 2:9-12, 13-23; 12:46-50; 13:55
- Mark 3:31-35; 6:1-3
- Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-52; 8:19-21; 11:27-28
- John 2:1-12; 6:41-42; 19:25-27
- Acts 1:12-14
- If you want to dig deeper into the life of Mary, consider reading St. John Chrysostom’s Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, accessible online here.
- Consider watching the Bible Project’s video on the first two chapters of Luke.