Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38

Why is the genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of Matthew so important?

What do you suppose Joseph assumed when he heard of Mary's pregnancy? If they we only engaged, why would he need to seek a divorce?

Joseph is visited by an angel in his dream. What would that be like? Joseph decides to listen to God's messenger and becomes the adoptive father of Jesus. We celebrate all adoptive parents!

Matthew points out all this happens to fulfill prophecies. Why is the fulfillment of prophecies so important? Matthew also records that the couple did not consummate their marriage until after Jesus was born. Why is that important? Why is it important for Jesus to be born of a woman by the Holy Spirit?

In Luke...Mary get a visit from an angel. She was likely around 14-years-old at the time.

If you had been Mary, what would have been the hardest thing about all this to comprehend...how this would happen?...what would you tell Joseph...Why did God choose you? What do you suppose is Mary's most prominent emotion?

How is Mary's question, "How will this be?" different from Zechariah's question, "How can I be sure of this?"

Mary ultimately answers, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Do you think she knew what she was signing up for? What can you say about her blind faith? Do you think she was fearful? What can you say about being faithfully fearful?

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