In the Middle of the Mess

Look Back

What offense did you release so peace can rule in you this week?

Look Up

Read Matthew 1:18-19

1. Different translations of verse 18 refer to Jesus as “the Messiah” and “Christ”. What is the meaning of these terms and why were they significant to the original readers? How are they significant to you personally and to people today?
2. Describe the challenging situation or “mess” faced by Mary and Joseph in your own words. What emotions might Mary and Joseph felt and why?
3. What does Joseph’s solution say about him and his “faith”? What else might Joseph have done and why?

Read Matthew 1:20-21 & Proverbs 16:19

1. What do these verses say about God and how He may respond to the “messes” we face? How might you apply this truth in your life today?
2. What words from the angel in verses 21-22 do you find most encouraging? What do you find most challenging and how might remembering Proverbs 16:19 have helped Joseph??

Read Matthew 1:20-25

1. What additional information does the angel give Joseph in verses 22 and 23? What impact did this have on Joseph and why?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Take time to pray to God who is “with you” in any mess you may be facing?

Notes

The story of Jesus’ birth shows a loving God with an overwhelming desire to be with the people He created. He is not, and refuses to remain distant and uninterested in the challenges and messes we face, but instead reaches out with comfort and direction to help us navigate and use our messes for His glory and purposes. We often look to God for a simple map to get us through our mess - He often responds with shoes and clues for where to go next. His guidance is His presence - we simply need to listen and follow.