Discussion Guide: The Gospel of Matthew � Part 3

Let us examine the Scriptures like the Bereans who 'received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.'"� Acts 17:11 (NIV)

 

May 9, 2004:� �The Gospel of Matthew - Part 3�� �by Pastor Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor College Park Church.� Pastor Kimber continued his series on the Gospel of Matthew with today�s focus on the visit of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12.

 

Pastor enthusiastically pointed out that He who was to come was to be great.� Among the indicators were�

 

  1. He was of ancient genealogical lineage.
  2. His birth was foretold in OT scriptures.
  3. He was born of a virgin.
  4. He was given the name Jesus, because he saves his people from their sins.
  5. He was born in Bethlehem (house of bread), the home of King David.
  6. The stars and heavens cooperated to lead, point, and reveal to the Magi where this wonder of wonders was living and abiding.

 

The Magi, knew from their study of the stars that the one to come would be a great King.� When they approached him, they were in awe of His greatness, and with great joy bowed down and worshipped him and gave him gifts of joy fit for a king.�

Discussion Questions

1.      How do others you know approach Jesus today?� How should we, as believers in the Lord Jesus, approach him?� How do you approach him?

 

  1. How is your relationship with Jesus?� When do you spend quiet time with him?� What are the results when you do so?

 

  1. Do you have a close moment-by-moment communion with Jesus throughout the day?� What are the results when you do so?

 

  1. Does knowing Jesus give you great joy in your heart?� Tell us about it.

 

5.      Does your life bring joy to Jesus today?� Tell us about it.�

 

6.      As you ponder, what brings joy to Jesus, read the following scriptures and identify

A.     what we as a group will begin doing differently to bring joy to the Lord, and

B.     make a personal commitment to bring joy to the Lord in your own life.

�         John 15:9-17

�         Philippians 2:1-2

�         1 Thessalonians 1:2-7

�         1 Timothy 1:3-5

�         Philemon 1:7-8

�         Hebrews 12:2-3

�         James 1:2-3;

�         1 Peter 1:8-9, 13-16

�         3 John 1:2-5, 11