God's Grace in the Christmas Story
Summary
In reflecting on the genealogy of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, we uncover profound truths about the nature of God's grace and the essence of the Christmas story. The genealogy includes individuals with flawed and complex pasts, such as Judah and Tamar, highlighting that sinners are not only part of the Christmas story but are central to it. This lineage, filled with imperfect people, underscores the message that Jesus came for sinners, offering mercy and grace to those who least deserve it.
Judah's story, in particular, is a testament to God's redemptive power. Despite his questionable character and actions, including selling his brother Joseph into slavery and his involvement with Tamar, Judah is chosen to be part of Jesus' lineage. This choice illustrates that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past. It is a reminder that our approach to God should not be based on self-righteousness or our deeds but on the righteousness of Jesus, who paid for our sins on the cross.
The story of Judah and Tamar also serves as a caution against keeping secrets and living in self-righteousness. Judah's initial reaction to Tamar's pregnancy reveals the hypocrisy that often accompanies hidden sins. Yet, through this narrative, we see the unfolding of God's plan to save many lives, a plan that culminates in the birth of Jesus, the Savior.
As we prepare for Christmas, we are invited to reflect on our own lives, recognizing our need for grace and the mercy offered through Jesus. The Christmas story is not about perfection but about God's love for imperfect people. It is a call to receive Jesus as our King, to prepare our hearts for Him, and to live in the peace that comes from being right with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The genealogy of Jesus, including figures like Judah and Tamar, highlights that sinners are central to the Christmas story, emphasizing that Jesus came to offer grace and mercy to those who least deserve it. [33:43]
- Judah's life, marked by betrayal and deceit, demonstrates that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past. This grace is not based on our righteousness but on what Jesus has done for us. [34:59]
- The story of Judah and Tamar warns against the dangers of keeping secrets and living in self-righteousness. Judah's hypocrisy is exposed, reminding us that true righteousness comes from God. [47:59]
- God's plan to save many lives is evident in the story of Joseph and Judah, illustrating that even through human failings, God's redemptive purposes prevail. This is the essence of the Christmas message. [55:20]
- As we approach Christmas, we are called to reflect on our need for grace, to receive Jesus as our King, and to live in the peace that comes from being right with God. This is the true meaning of Christmas. [57:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[27:51] - Remembering Ruth
[29:09] - The Church as a Hospital
[31:49] - The Genealogy of Jesus
[33:43] - Sinners in the Christmas Story
[34:59] - Self-Righteousness vs. Grace
[39:14] - Judah's Betrayal
[40:59] - Judah's Character Revealed
[42:03] - Why Judah, Not Joseph?
[43:15] - Judah's Secret
[45:27] - Tamar's Bold Move
[46:38] - Judah's Hypocrisy
[47:59] - The Danger of Secrets
[49:58] - Tamar's Revelation
[51:22] - God's Redemptive Plan
[53:02] - Joseph's Forgiveness
[55:20] - The Point of Christmas
[57:52] - Receiving the King
[01:01:24] - A Call to Grace
[01:02:53] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:1-3 - "This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar."
2. Genesis 37:23-28 - The story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, including Judah.
3. Genesis 50:19-21 - Joseph's response to his brothers after revealing his identity.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the notable names included in the genealogy of Jesus as mentioned in Matthew 1:1-3? How do these names contribute to the overall message of the genealogy? [34:59]
2. In Genesis 37:23-28, what role does Judah play in the story of Joseph being sold into slavery? How does this reflect on his character? [39:14]
3. How does Joseph respond to his brothers in Genesis 50:19-21, and what does this reveal about his character and understanding of God's plan? [54:19]
4. According to the sermon, why is it significant that Matthew includes sinners in the genealogy of Jesus? [33:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the inclusion of Judah and Tamar in Jesus' genealogy suggest about the nature of God's grace and redemption? [42:03]
2. How does the story of Judah and Tamar serve as a warning against self-righteousness and keeping secrets? What can we learn from Judah's hypocrisy? [47:59]
3. In what ways does Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers illustrate the essence of the Christmas message as described in the sermon? [55:20]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach God, and what does this mean for our understanding of self-righteousness versus grace? [34:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any secrets or areas of self-righteousness that you need to bring before God? How can you take steps to address these issues this week? [47:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus came for sinners. How does this truth impact your view of yourself and others, especially during the Christmas season? [33:43]
3. Consider the story of Judah and Tamar. How can you apply the lessons of grace and redemption in your relationships with others? [42:03]
4. Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers is a powerful example of grace. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What steps can you take to offer forgiveness this week? [54:19]
5. As we prepare for Christmas, how can you make room in your heart for Jesus as your King? What specific actions can you take to live in the peace that comes from being right with God? [57:52]
6. The sermon calls us to reflect on our need for grace. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's grace in your daily life? [56:22]
7. Identify one way you can share the message of grace and redemption with someone in your life this Christmas season. What practical steps can you take to do this? [55:20]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Grace in Imperfection
The genealogy of Jesus, as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, reveals a profound truth about the nature of God's grace. It includes individuals with flawed and complex pasts, such as Judah and Tamar, highlighting that sinners are not only part of the Christmas story but are central to it. This lineage, filled with imperfect people, underscores the message that Jesus came for sinners, offering mercy and grace to those who least deserve it. The inclusion of these figures in Jesus' genealogy serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is not limited by human imperfection. Instead, it is through these imperfections that His grace shines most brightly, offering hope and redemption to all. [33:43]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt unworthy of God's grace. How can you embrace the truth that Jesus came for sinners, including you, and allow His grace to transform your life today?
Day 2: Redemption Beyond Our Past
Judah's life, marked by betrayal and deceit, demonstrates that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past. Despite his questionable character and actions, including selling his brother Joseph into slavery and his involvement with Tamar, Judah is chosen to be part of Jesus' lineage. This choice illustrates that God's grace is not based on our righteousness but on what Jesus has done for us. It is a reminder that our approach to God should not be based on self-righteousness or our deeds but on the righteousness of Jesus, who paid for our sins on the cross. This understanding of grace invites us to let go of our past mistakes and embrace the new identity we have in Christ. [34:59]
"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:3-5, ESV)
Reflection: What past mistake or regret are you holding onto that prevents you from fully accepting God's grace? How can you release it to God and embrace the new identity He offers you in Christ?
Day 3: The Danger of Secrets and Self-Righteousness
The story of Judah and Tamar warns against the dangers of keeping secrets and living in self-righteousness. Judah's initial reaction to Tamar's pregnancy reveals the hypocrisy that often accompanies hidden sins. Yet, through this narrative, we see the unfolding of God's plan to save many lives, a plan that culminates in the birth of Jesus, the Savior. This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that true righteousness comes from God and not from our own efforts to appear righteous. It challenges us to live authentically and transparently before God and others, acknowledging our need for His grace and mercy. [47:59]
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." (Proverbs 28:13, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a secret or hidden sin in your life that you need to bring into the light? How can you take a step today to confess it to God and seek His forgiveness and healing?
Day 4: God's Redemptive Plan Through Human Failings
God's plan to save many lives is evident in the story of Joseph and Judah, illustrating that even through human failings, God's redemptive purposes prevail. Despite the betrayal and deceit that marked Judah's life, God's sovereign plan was at work, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus, the Savior. This is the essence of the Christmas message: that God can use even our mistakes and failures to accomplish His purposes. It is a reminder that no matter how far we have strayed, God's redemptive plan is always at work, inviting us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness. [55:20]
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God used a difficult situation or failure in your life for good. How can you trust in His redemptive plan for your current circumstances?
Day 5: Embracing the True Meaning of Christmas
As we approach Christmas, we are called to reflect on our need for grace, to receive Jesus as our King, and to live in the peace that comes from being right with God. The Christmas story is not about perfection but about God's love for imperfect people. It is a call to prepare our hearts for Him, to receive His grace, and to live in the peace and joy that come from being in a right relationship with God. This is the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus, who came to offer us grace, mercy, and redemption. [57:52]
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally prepare your heart to receive Jesus as your King this Christmas season? What specific steps can you take to live in the peace and joy that come from being right with God?
Quotes
"When Matthew chose to follow Jesus, he learned that there was a different way to approach God. He learned that we can approach God just like we are based on what Jesus has done, based on his righteousness. Jesus paid for our sin when he died on the cross no matter what the sin was. You can't be too bad for God." [00:35:48] (26 seconds)
"Judah does what every person does who has a secret, who is pretending to be somebody that they're not. Judah gets real self-righteous. Have you ever met someone who was self-righteous? So self-righteous that, and then maybe a year later or five years later, you find out, oh, that's why they were talking about that so much. They were dealing with it themselves." [00:47:48] (31 seconds)
"Don't ever forget, you are the point of Christmas. It's not all the goodies and the trees and the lights and all the songs. It's you. Jesus came for God so loved you that he came on that first Christmas morning. And he paid for your sins and mine. And he offers us mercy. Joy to the world. The Lord has come. Let earth receive him." [00:57:47] (33 seconds)
"Receive your king. Thank Jesus for what he's done for you. Prepare your heart. Give him room. Let him be a part of your life. He came to pay for your sin. You don't have to. You don't have to live in guilt and shame. You're a bad sinner. He knows that. He knows all." [00:58:37] (22 seconds)
"Compare yourself with Tamar and Judah if you want to feel better about yourself. There were some bad dudes in there, and God said, that's okay. I don't care what you've done. If you'll put your trust in me, I'll prepare a place for you. I think that's why I get excited about Grandma Ruth spending her first Christmas with Jesus. She can see." [00:59:39] (22 seconds)
"She doesn't have to imagine anymore. She can see. And that day is in our future if we'll just trust him. So as we wrap up this morning, I'm just going to, before you just run out of here, I'm going to just ask you to take just a minute in silence and just for you to answer the question or ask God the question in your life, God, what do you want me to do with what I just heard?" [00:59:59] (24 seconds)
"Will you today admit that, like Judah, you need a little grace, a little of that amazing grace? If you would do that. I'll just stop talking for a minute and let you have a little conversation with God, and then I'll close in prayer, okay? Would you do that? Just take a minute, and then I'll pray." [01:00:47] (21 seconds)
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