October 4, 2019
We Are Family!
Matthew 1:1
Christopher Cole
Central Truth
Jesus is the one and only Messiah. If you accept His invitation, you become part of an adopted family. Our lineage extends beyond blood relatives; as God predestined, we who have trusted in Him are adopted as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ.
Key Verse | Matthew 1:1-2, 6, 16
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob . . . . and Jesse the father of David the king. . . . and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:1
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 1:1
“We are family. . . . I got all my [brothers and] sisters with me.” Albeit a 70's disco favorite, these lyrics also fit with the story of the lives of those who believe and accept Jesus as their Savior. He desires that all would become a part of His family (John 1:12). We as believers were predestined to be an adopted family (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Chosen and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) to write this gospel, Matthew records the genealogy of Jesus. He illustrates the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies to convince his fellow Jews that Jesus was the true Messiah foretold in the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14) by giving His lineage through Joseph as the husband of Mary and illustrating that Jesus is Jewish by birth as the descendant of both Abraham and David.
Growing up, I knew my descendants were diverse, with a little Cherokee, lots of English, some Russian, and others. As I learned more about my genealogy in college, it was so awesome to know who my family was, but that did not change my heart, nor fill the holes in it that led to control issues, anger, and finding my significance outside of Christ.
I finally woke up as He called me to re:generation, Watermark’s discipleship and recovery program, where I understood I had been adopted into His family by faith, and my life changed forever. The old me was gone, and the new had come (2 Corinthians 5:17). I have a Father who loves me unconditionally (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:16), who started teaching and training me in a way that my earthly father never could. The holes were being filled, and I discovered a peace beyond all knowledge and understanding (Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:6-7) that I never imagined could be true. I started growing up at age 45.
Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, was born from the lineage of both Abraham and David, underscoring His credentials as the Messiah. If we believe in Him and accept Him as our Savior, we, too, can be adopted into the family of believers and know the peace and joy that comes only through the Spirit.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you been adopted into the family of believers? I pray that you would have the peace of Christ and consider becoming part of the family of Jesus. Would you pray this prayer today?
"Lord God, I can no longer be my own god. I need a Savior to take control of my life, as I cannot do it. I believe and accept your Son as my Savior. Please, forgive me of my past that has kept me apart from you. Adopt me into your family as a follower of Jesus. Amen."
And if you do, welcome, brother or sister! I love you, but God loves you more, and Jesus will change your life.
2. What are your hurts, habits, and hang-ups? Are they keeping you from experiencing a true and saving faith? If they are affecting your life, job, or loved ones, or if they are keeping you in any way from experiencing true peace, stop now and talk to God about it. Tell Him what is going on and ask for help and forgiveness. Tell a friend or your community. Then join us at re:generation, Watermark's recovery and discipleship ministry, where you will hear stories of life change every week. Bring a friend or two!
3. If you have been blessed by Jesus and consider Him your adopted family through salvation, would you pray with your family and also consider another type of adopted family by fostering, adopting, or advocating for a child? For more information please check out Watermark's Family Restoration ministry.