Matthew Bible Study Session 1: Ch 1-2
Session One: Matthew 1-2
Discuss: What do you know of your own genealogy? Why has this been taught to you or why did you research it? If you know little of your genealogy, is it interesting or important to know? Why or why not?
This first session looks at Matthew chapters 1 and 2. It opens with the genealogy of Christ, tying Jesus to David and Abraham as fulfillment of the great promises of God. The reading also tells of Joseph’s initial rejection and then acceptance of the babe as his own, the birth of Jesus, the visit of the Magi and the escape to return from Egypt.
Before reading, what do these pieces of the book of Matthew tell you about the Father?
Read Matthew 1-2.
Reading Questions
a. The genealogy that Matthew lists is not actually a blood line to David and Abraham. What importance is there in including this line since that is the case? What does it indicate that God values?
b. In addition to Mary, Matthew includes four women in the genealogy. What do you know of the stories of these women? What can we infer about God’s heart by their inclusion?
c. God chose an earthly father, Joseph, for his Divine Son. Why do you think that was?
d. Foreign kings worship the child, yet not the ruler of the nation where the family resides. In Mary or Joseph’s shoes, how would you have responded to the visit?
e. God directed Joseph through dreams (1:20, 2:13, 19). How does that compare to God’s direction in the Old Testament? Consider Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon and the judges, Joseph, etc.
Old Testament Links
1.Most Bibles indicate that Matthew 1:23 is a quotation from Isaiah 7:14. The text of Isaiah 7, verses 1-17 tells of a threat to the house of David and God’s offer to provide a sign to affirm that the threat will not succeed. Though the offer is (rudely) declined, God gives not one but two prophecies to affirm that the kingdom of Judah would stand. Read Isaiah 7:1-17.
What might the prophesies have done for the people at that time?
For what reasons, beyond simply stating the fulfillment of the prophesy, would Matthew have included it?
The second prophesy in this passage is fulfilled within just a few years. What does the inclusion of the return of the remnant of Israel in this story of Jesus Christ say about God the Father?
2. Matthew 2:6 is another quotation from the Old Testament, this one from Micah 5:2. The location of Christ’s birth is known to be in Bethlehem, as prophesied in the verse from Micah. The Hebrew root of the word is commonly known to be ‘bread’ and thus Bethlehem is translated as ‘house of bread.’ However, the Hebrew root is not certain and has also been traced to mean ‘war’, thus the translation ‘house of war’ or house of battle’ is also proposed. Discuss why both may be appropriate names for the birthplace of Christ.
Micah chapter 5 speaks of the coming Messiah, not only in verse 2, but throughout the chapter. Much as bread and war are juxtaposed, the chapter offers a number of juxtaposed ideas and images in describing the Messiah.
Read Micah chapter 5:1-9.
Consider some of the contrasting images presented in the chapter and discuss how they may also complement or balance each other. For example: verses 1-2, a ruler struck with a rod, small clan hosts the ruler; verses 2-3 ruler with origins of old yet born of a woman; verse 4, a shepherd whose greatness is known in all the earth; verses 5-6, he who is peace leads those with swords; verse 7, an outcast remnant will be like dew and showers for many; verses 7-8, remnant of dew also a lion among sheep.
This chapter is a description of Jesus the Messiah; how do these images also reflect upon God the Father?
3. Hosea 11:1 is the quotation found in Matthew 2:15, though only half the verse is given. Hosea 11:1 says, ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.’ The verse is often read to include the Israelite exodus, yet the use of the singular ‘son’ seems to also include the Son, Jesus. Describe the parallels of the Israelites and Jesus in the verse. How do these parallels also demonstrate the love (I loved him) that is stated here?
4. Matthew 2:18 leaves the audience wincing. It is difficult to understand why the worship of the Messiah, King of the Jews, by foreigners then leads to the massacre of little boys in Bethlehem. The quotation from Jeremiah 31:15 offers some consolation. Read Jeremiah 31:1-34 and discuss how God responds to the grief. Pay particular attention to Jeremiah 31:15-17 and note God’s gathering of the mourned children.
Application
The reading is broken into smaller segments below. Note one character trait of God which you see in that part of the reading. If you are in a group, share your observations with the others.
__________ Genealogy of the Messiah
__________ Joseph’s rejection and acceptance of Jesus as his own
__________ Birth of Christ
__________ Visit of the Magi
__________ Escape to and return from Egypt
This study is new! Please leave comments, perplexities, and questions below, as well as any suggestions. All are appreciated and will thoughtfully considered.
