Women of Faith

This week will give attention to notable women in Jesus’ line—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba—with some discussion of redemption.
Matthew 1:1-17, esp. 1:3, 5-6

SERMON OUTLINE

The Point

  • The Gospel, the story of the Bible, and the story of Jesus is for everyone.

Tamar (Genesis 38:6-30)

  • Canaanite
  • Widow
  • “Unredeemed”

Rahab (Joshua 2:1-7)

  • Amorite
  • Harlot
  • “Unclean”

Ruth (Book of Ruth)

  • Moabite
  • Widow
  • “Unredeemed”

Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2, 3; 12:24; 1 Kings 1:11-31, 2:13-19)

  • Canaanite
  • Victim
  • “Unclean”

The Point

  • The Gospel, the story of the Bible, and the story of Jesus is for everyone!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. When you think about the people from your ancestors, who are those who stand out as having an oversized role in shaping your future?
  2. As we did last week, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read Matthew 1:1-17 aloud.
  3. Spend time recounting the stories of Tamar (Gen. 38:6-30), Rahab (Joshua 2:1-7), Ruth (Book of Ruth), and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:2, 3; 12:24; 1 Kings 1:11-31, 2:13-19).
  4. The inclusion of women in an ancient genealogy was rare, it really doesn’t happen, why do you think these particular women were included in Matthews? What is the purpose the writer of the book is getting at?
  5. Tamar: What is the significance of Tamar to the line of Jesus? What did she do, and why was it is important? And how does it make you feel that this is part of Jesus’ history?
  6. Rahab: Another sordid history here, How was she redeemed, what is the significance to her inclusion into the genealogy of Christ? And again, how does this make you feel?
  7. Ruth: By all accounts she is the one that “makes the most sense” but as you scratch beneath the surface there is a lot of issues. She is from a tribe of sworn enemies, and is Unredeemed according to the law. Again what is her significance here? Why is it important that she was included in this genealogy? And how does that make you feel?
  8. Bathsheba: Another confusing inclusion. What is her significance here? Why is it important she is included? How does this make you feel?
  9. Taking all of these women together, there are many lessons about who is included in the story and Gospel of Christ. How does it make you feel that the net is so broad? Who are you including in the Gospel, who are you excluding? 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

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Joseph