The Greatest Story Ever Foretold: Pt 2

Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT)

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

THE NAME IMMANUEL TEACHES US THREE ASPECTS ABOUT GOD:

1. God came to find you.

2. God is accessible.

John 1:14 (NLT)

14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT)

14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

3. You can be brave because God is with you.

Psalm 27:1, 14 (NLT)

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

REFLECTION:

– What is a milestone moment of bravery that has defined your belief in Jesus and obedience to his instructions?

– What is one area in your life where you need bravery to trust God’s plan?

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Jesus called Immanuel was not a sign for us to find God; He was God Himself who came to find us.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Matthew 1:18-25.

– How does the idea that God came to find us, not for us to find Him reshape your understanding of His love and how He pursues us? Share a time when you felt God personally seeking you out.

– How have you experienced God being accessible in your life? How does this impact your relationship with Him?

– Joseph and Mary exemplified bravery and obedience in the face of uncertainty and the expectations of those around them. What qualities or actions do you think are essential to follow God’s plan courageously, even when it doesn’t align with others’ expectations?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Read Psalm 27:1. Identify one area in your life where you’re facing fear or uncertainty and need bravery to trust God’s plan. What specific step of obedience can you take this week, trusting that God is with you and will guide you through it?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray that God fills us with the courage we need—both as a church and individually—to trust His plan. Let’s thank Him for His constant presence and for always being near and approachable in our lives.