Blood Brothers
12/11/2022
The New Testament writers tell us that Jesus had brothers and sisters. And, like many siblings, Jesus’ relationship with His brothers was a lifelong challenge. Join us for part three of The Family Christmas Tree, where we will explore Jesus’ relationship with His brothers and how His unwavering love for them changed their lives and eternities.
Passage
The Bible tells us that Jesus had ________________, and like many people, His relationship with them was ______ ________.
(See Mark 6:3-6, Matthew 13:55, Mark 3:20-21, & John 7:2-5)
Jesus always responded to His family with ________ and __________.
(See John 7:6-8 & Matthew 12:46-50)
Even after they ____________ ______, Jesus ________ and ______________ His family to the grave and beyond.
(See John 19:26-27 & 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
Jesus’ unwavering ______ eventually ____________ his family.
(See Acts 1:14, Acts 15, James 1:1, & Jude 1:1)
Principles
God can __________ and ___________ broken families for His glory and our good.
Practice
________________ your ___________ family relationships to God.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Who are the silent heroes in your family and what makes them heroic?
Today we will consider one of the Bible’s most humble heroes. Joseph’s role in Jesus’ life may have been brief, but it was critical, nonetheless.
HEAR
Read Matthew 1:18-25
- What was Joseph’s reaction to the news that Mary was pregnant? Was this a reasonable response? Why or why not?
- When did the angel appear to Joseph? What do you think it means that Joseph was “consider[ing] these things”?
- What were the angel’s first words to Joseph? What cause did Joseph have to fear?
Read Luke 2:1-7
- We’ve already read how Joseph faced a significant challenge in Matthew 1. What challenges did he then face in Luke 2?
- How was Joseph’s compliance with the Roman Emperor’s edict like Jesus’ response to the political powers of His day? (See Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 22:15-22, & John 19:11)
- How did Caesar Augustus’s actions play right into God’s bigger plan? How do you know this?
- Remember the seven realities of Experiencing God? Retell Joseph’s story through those seven realities.
HUDDLE
Compare your faith with Joseph’s. Based on your past behavior, how would you have reacted to the challenges he faced? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
This week’s Scripture readings focus on the relationships between siblings in the Bible. As your read each passage, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you regarding your relationship with your family.
- Day 1: Genesis 4
- Day 2: Genesis 25:19-34
- Day 3: Genesis 27
- Day 4: Genesis 37
- Day 5: Luke 15
- Day 6: Mark 3
- Day 7: John 7
Think Deeper
- Do you have siblings? If so, how would you describe your relationship with them?
- What does it mean to you to know that Jesus’ relationship with His brothers was so strained?
- Describe how God could redeem your broken family relationships. What would you need to do to cooperate with Him?
Suggested Resources
The Music of Christmas by Gary and Sheri Webber
God Came Near by Max Lucado
Advent Conspiracy by Rick McKinley
Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB