Embracing A Shameful Past

- What does Jesus' genealogy tell us about God's people?

- Pastor Nick pointed out that while we don't see any apologies from Matthew about those in Jesus' genealogy that could be seen as shameful, we all find ourselves looking down on people or groups. Who do you look down on? People of a certain race/ethnicity? Gender? Age? Geographic region? Political persuasion?

- Jesus' family was dysfunctional – there were prostitutes, murderers, terrible leaders, and outcasts throughout – and includes all kinds of people: men & women, rich & poor, ethnic insiders & outsiders, moral & immoral ... Does that sound like a family that you would want to join? Does our community (our family) look like that?

- What does Jesus' genealogy tell us about God?

- It is pretty clear in this opening section of Matthew that the things God values are very different from the things that we value. Where do you see that most clearly? How has our community been shaped by our own values instead of by God's?

- Holidays and time with family can often be difficult times of anxiety, hurry, and stress. Pastor Nick pointed out that Matthew ends his genealogy of Christ by pointing back to Genesis 1 and showing us how Jesus is our perfect Sabbath rest. Do we live in that kind of rest? What could it look like for our work, family, and community lives to preach a Gospel of perfect rest in Christ?