Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. —Matthew 1:18-25 ESV
Jesus Is With Us Physically
The Incarnation Is Why Jesus Can Be Our Representative
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way… —Hebrews 2:14-17a NIV
The Incarnation Affirms The Goodness Of Creation
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. —1 Timothy 4:4-5 ESV
Jesus Is With Us Emotionally
For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. —Hebrews 2:17-18 NIV
“He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.” —Hebrews 5:2 NIV
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” —Matthew 11:18-19 ESV
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. —Revelation 3:20 NIV
Jesus Is With Us Spiritually
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. —Hebrews 7:23-25 ESV
GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Read Matthew 1:18-25
What stands out to you about this story?
What does Jesus’ name mean?
JESUS IS WITH US PHYSICALLY
Immanuel means ‘God with us’. Do you find it hard to fathom that Jesus is fully God & fully man?
THE INCARNATION IS WHY JESUS CAN BE OUR REPRESENTATIVE
Read Hebrews 2:14-17a
Why do we need a representative? (Romans 5:12-21 for extra detail)
THE INCARNATION AFFIRMS THE GOODNESS OF CREATION
Read 1 Timothy 4:4-5
What is your favorite part of creation?
JESUS IS WITH US EMOTIONALLY
Read Hebrews 2:17-18 & Hebrews 5:2 & Matthew 11:18-19
Jesus is an empathetic High Priest. How can He relate to any of your struggles?
How does knowing that Jesus has suffered just like you, help you in your struggles?
JESUS IS WITH US SPIRITUALLY
Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 & Hebrews 7:23-25
Because Jesus is God with us, He is able to be the substitute for us, so that we can enjoy the benefits of a child of God. Why is this such good news?
Allow time for prayer requests - members to share their needs, and others to meet them.
GROUP PRACTICE: WORSHIP
Take some time during your group to recognize and declare your adoration for Jesus as God & King. This is an opportunity to worship, whether through song or just through spoken word and prayer, because Worship is more than song, it is where we use our hearts and minds to give the glory that is due Him to Him.
NEXT STEPS
GROWTH TRACK
Growth Track is a series of on-demand videos designed to help you discover your unique gifts, and how to use them in your personal life and in partnership with Lighthouse Church. Head to lighthouse.church/growth-track to get started!
WANT TO JOIN THE MVMT?
Our MVMT Team is a group of passionate people who gather to serve our church community and guests each weekend, or during our Ministry Nights (CR, Students, and Young Adults). From Production (Cameras, Audio, etc), to LH Kids, Greeting to Security your gifts and talents are important to completing the mission of Reaching the Lost and Making Disciples as we move together with Jesus. Head to lighthouse.church/connect to get started.