Every individual has ancestors, and every family has a story—even if that story is obscure or largely unknown. Matthew created a careful record of Jesus’ family to help us understand the significance of Jesus, and Jesus’ list of ancestors contains insights and surprises. We can prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth by remembering the family that helped bring him into this world, and we may even understand our own story a little bit better. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Matthew 1:1-17. Why do you think it was important for Matthew to begin his record of Jesus’ life with this genealogy listing Jesus’ ancestors through his stepfather Joseph? 2. Are there any names that stand out to you? What are those names and why are they significant? a. Why do you think Abraham and David receive special emphasis? b. The ancestors are divided into three sections of fourteen (v. 17); can you think of any reasons for this type of division? 3. One surprise in this record is that four women are mentioned in a list of men: Tamar (v.3), Rahab (v.5), Ruth (v.5), and Bathsheba (v. 6). Can you identify any characteristics two or more of these women share? Pick one (if you have time all four) to read about and explore. Why do you think their presence among Jesus’ many ancestors was highlighted by Matthew? a. Tamar in Genesis 38 b. Rahab in Joshua 2 c. Ruth from The Book of Ruth d. Bathsheba from 2 Samuel 11:1-12:24 4. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 5. How do you discern God and your family members collaborating to create the story of your family? Compose a one-sentence summary of a story of your family. Write it down and say it out loud. Choose one to three words to describe your family’s story. 6. How do you aspire to contribute to or change your family’s story? a. Is there something you can begin, continue, or stop doing to move in that direction? b. Ask God to bless your family and to give you wisdom, strength, and grace to contribute to the family story He is writing.