The Joy of Being Accepted
Sermon: 3 The Joy of Being Accepted
(Matthew 1:1-6, 21-23)
Although Christmas is stressful, it still can be joyful. You just need to know where to look.
Your family, no matter how crazy, belongs in God’s family.
Discussion Questions: In your Family, has…
– Something happened that is embarrassing or awkward?
– A parent or guardian ignored you while you were growing up?
– A parent or guardian responded to you with anger instead of proper amounts of love and discipline?
– Someone made some relational mistakes?
– There been some form of abuse that has never been fully recognized or dealt with?
These challenging situations and embarrassing histories can dampen the Christmas spirit. But what if it is true, that real joy can found even among the flaws of our families? The opening pages of Matthew’s gospel reminds us that Jesus’ family tree had crooked limbs, knotty pasts with some rotten fruit. And there is joy in knowing that real joy can be found even when our families are less than perfect.
Jesus’ Genealogy
1. This genealogy was critical information to Matthew’s original audience
a. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy
b. Jesus’ background had historical legitimacy
c. Jesus’ life help proved God has a plan that span through the ages
2. This genealogy was proof that Jesus’ family tree had some bad branches in it.
(Matthew 1:1-6)
Jesus’ involvement in our mess is part of his message.
How messy was this mess?
· 1. Judah (Genesis 38)-
o slept with his daughter in law because he thought she was a prostitute and then tried to cover up his indiscretion by having her executed then was confronted with clear evidence that he was guilty.
· 2. Tamar (Genesis 38)–
o was the daughter-in-law that dressed up like a prostitute and in order to trick her father-in-law into sleeping with here so she could become pregnant. And then she left town but was later caught.
· 3. Rahab (Joshua 2)
o was a recognized Canaanite prostitute who saved the Hebrew spies at Jericho
· 4. Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)
o had a consensual affair with King David.
· 5. King David (2 Samuel 13)
o while a rock star in Israel’s history also had many failings as father and a husband (2 Samuel 13:21)
Here is the Joy
- Every family tree is flawed (and sometimes Christmas reveals these flaws).
- Your family tree develops who you are. It does not determine who you become.
- Jesus comes into our messy lives to love and rescue us.
Christmas reminds us that God will meet us in our messiness in order to save us from our sins.