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Veracity and Virtue

Week 8 | Section 9

Veracity and VirtueJoseph (like Zechariah) was a righteous man, and he too had a wife who was blessed with a child, Jesus the Son of God. Perhaps we all know the details of this story but many choose to question the veracity of Mary’s virginity. Like Joseph, some logically think, there must be another man involved. However, if we believe that his paternal father was of human decent, it changes the Gospel forever and denies the testimony of the Apostle John who wrote, “…the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” Friends, we hope that you too can accept these words today for in them, by the grace of God, lie the keys of freedom for all humanity.


Scripture:
Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now1 the birth of Jesus Christ2 was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged3 to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant4 by the Holy Spirit.5¯6 19 Joseph, her husband,7 being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.8  20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord9 appeared to him in a dream,10 saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid11 to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.12 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus,13 for it is he who shall save his people14 from their sins.” 22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled15¯16¯17 which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son.18  They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”19 24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him,20 and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.21  


Group Dialog:

  1. What rights ad responsibilities were given and expected of you and your siblings?
  2. What questions remain for you when considering Jesus’ birth, his divine nature and purpose?
  3. Open the Scriptures and a dialog about the nature of sin, and the need for redemption, and reconciliation and the role of the Savior.
  4. What characteristics and behaviors of Joseph do you find most compelling?
  5. If you’ve had divine inspiration or exhortation in a dream, would you share the experience and forth coming lessons with the group?

Learning Objectives:

reasoning, righteous decision making process, openness to the Holy Spirit, Divinity of Jesus, Salvation from  sins, God with us.


Study Notes:

Categories
One

The Shoot of Jesse

Week 5 | Section 5,6

The Shoot of JesseGabriel is listed in Jewish literature as one of seven archangels, holding the highest rank after Michael. Five hundred years earlier, Gabriel gave Daniel an exact account of the time of the Messiah’s coming. Now he appeared to Mary, announcing the good news – that she would give birth to the savior of the world. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and stands in awe when she recognizes Mary is carrying the Lord Jesus, The King of Kings. It’s amazing how God is able to carry forth his plans – with Mary, with Elizabeth, and with us.


Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38 | Section 5

26 Now in the sixth month,1 the angel2Gabriel3 was sent from God4 to a city of Galilee,5 named Nazareth,6 27 to a virgin7 pledged to be married8 to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house.9 The virgin’s name was Mary.28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice,10 you highly favored one!11 The Lord is with you. Blessed12 are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’13 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.14 The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,15 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob16 forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit17 will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”The angel departed from her.

Luke 1:39-45 | Section 6

39 Mary arose in those days18 and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,19 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby20 leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.21 42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!22 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed,23 for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”


Group Dialog:

  1. What can we learn about the Holy Spirit and the trinity from this passage and the rest of scripture?
  2. How can (or should) we trust God’s word in prayer, Scripture or from the prophetic voice of gifted people?
  3. What can we learn about the nature and character of Mary the Mother of Jesus from this passage and others?
  4. Read and discuss: What’s in a surname?

Learning Outcomes:

Humility, being God’s vessel, God’s plan, importance of the virgin birth, nothing impossible for God. The existence of the Holy Spirit.


Study Notes: