The Treasure of the Incarnation | Resources
Discussion Questions
1. Christ’s birth is a fulfillment of many Old Testamentprophesies. Besides the one mentioned in our text for thisweek, which others come to mind? Consider taking a fewminutes and doing some research to find others.
2. What is significant about the name Immanuel? What does itmean, and what does it teach us?
3.Todd mentioned several doctrines related to these verses.Reflect and discuss what they mean and how they apply to us,
4. Joseph’s obedience is admirable! Have there been anypromptings from the Lord recently that you have yet to obey?
Memory Verse
Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger. Luke 2:10-12 (CSB)
Devotional
Joseph is an often overlooked and forgotten part of the nativity scene. The wise men and even the shepherds are the more sought-after roles in the Christmas play. However, if we carefully study the brief texts of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, we see what it looks like to be a doer who obeys without questioning God.
In Matthew 1:24, we read that Joseph did immediately and precisely as the Lord commanded him, even when difficult. Very difficult. What was so difficult, we might ask? According to Old Testament law, marrying a pregnant woman was disgraceful enough that Joseph had the legal right to have her stoned to death. Everyone would have assumed that Joseph or some other man had slept with Mary before marriage. What a difficult burden to carry, even more so since it was untrue.
On top of that, not sharing intimacy with his new bride for the first few months of their marriage would have further added to the difficulty. But he still said “yes” to God’s commands. Additionally, you may recall that Joseph had another dream several years later, warning him to take Mary and young Jesus away to Egypt to escape Herod. Joseph awoke and left with his little family in the middle of that very night. Joseph was an immediate man of action when God commanded him.
What difficult thing has the Holy Spirit been nudging you to do that you’ve been delaying? Forgiving someone? Setting down bitterness and trusting the offense to God’s care instead? Inviting a neighbor or coworker to small group? Prayer and studying the Word daily? Whatever it is, be a Joseph and do it. Do it now. Not later today, tomorrow, or next week. Not when it makes more logical sense or is convenient. But do it now, at the first request of our King. Obeying without question is how we show Him we believe He is working for our good in all things (Rom 8:28). Even more, as 1 John 2:4-5 shows us, obeying is how we demonstrate to God our love for Him. Let’s do it because we trust Him. Let’s do it because we love Him.