The Real Christmas Tree - Matthew 1:1-17

This will be the fourth Sunday in Advent. The sermon text is Matthew 1:1-17.

1. Compare the genealogy of Jesus from our sermon text with the genealogy in Luke 3:23-38. What differences do you detect? What explanation can you provide for these differences?

2. Excluding the mention of Mary in verse 16, Matthew references four other women in this genealogy. Who are they and why do you think he mentions them?

3. Since two of the four Gospel writers include the genealogy of Jesus, there must be an importance for people to know Jesus' ancestry. Why are these genealogies important? How does verse 1 contribute to answering this question?

4. What importance do the words "as was supposed" hold in Luke 3:23?