Sermon Discussion Guide 12-1-24

Sermon Discussion Guide
The Roots of Christmas | Advent Week 1 | Judah and Tamar | Matthew 1, Genesis 38

Gathering Question: 
What is one way your family history has shaped you?

Gathering Prayer. 
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Gen 38 | Judah and Tamar

• What strikes you as the most surprising or significant part of this story?
• Reflect on Judah’s character. Starting in chapter 37 when he betrays his brother and extends to chapter 38 when he treats Tamar so shamefully. How would you describe his character and state of his heart? What motivates him? How do you think he sees himself? 
• Reflect on Judah’s awakening. When confronted with the truth he “recognizes” his own sin and confesses Tamar to be more righteous than himself. What do you think that confession means for Judah’s heart? Is there a time in your life you have been confronted with the truth and had to repent? What was that experience like? 

Why is this in the Bible?

• A common misunderstanding of the Bible is that it is mostly about morality. How have you seen this misunderstanding in action? Why do you think so many people begin to see the Bible through the lens of morality?
• Thinking more deeply about Judah and Tamar, how do you see the human condition expressed in this chapter?
• How does the story of Judah and Tamar point to the Savior?

The Family Line of Jesus | Matthew 1:1-17

• Out of all the people to include in the family line of Jesus, why does Matthew include Judah and Tamar? What is he telling us about Jesus? What does this mean for our lives? 

Closing Prayer