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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Through Angels' Eyes
December 14,2024
Week 3: Our Story is Amazing
Jeff Griffin
Matthew 1:20-25
This week, we studied the angel’s appearance to Joseph. The angel declared that Joseph was to name his adopted son “Jesus.” The name “Jesus” means “The Lord Saves.” The meaning of this name provides us epic truths that we must know if we are to understand and enjoy our story.
Jeff began his sermon by sharing the meanings of his kids’ names. Do any in your family have names with significant meaning? If so, share with the group.
1. Reread Matthew 1:18-19 (NLT): “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. Joseph was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.”
What do you think Joseph was thinking and feeling in this situation?
2. Reread Matthew 1:20 (NLT): “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, ‘Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’”
What do you think Joseph was thinking and feeling after this dream?
3. Reread what the angel said to Joseph in Matthew 1:20 (NLT): “You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
The name “Jesus” means “The Lord Saves.” What does this name tell us about our own stories?
4. If they were to make your life into a movie, what genre would it be? (Movie Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller)
5. What does the meaning of Jesus’ name tell us about the value of our lives?
6. What does the meaning of Jesus’ name tell us about our ability to earn our way to heaven?
7. Read Psalm 40:1-2 (GNT): “I waited patiently for the Lord's help. He heard my cry and pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock.”
How does this passage relate to the meaning of Jesus’ name? How does it relate to your story?
Spend some time in prayer giving thanks for Christ and for the great epic rescue story we have the privilege of living.