Series Title: The Space Between | Week 5
Scripture: Matthew 1
Bottom Line: Jesus brings us back to the presence of God.
Other Scripture References:
Book References
The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Dr. Sandra L Richter. Pastor Matt will be referencing this book throughout the series. The slides on this guide are referenced from this book. Pastor Matt encourages us to take the time to read this book.
Group Check in:
How is it with your soul?
Prayer Request? Praises?
How has God shown up in your life this week?
This week, have others seen Jesus through you?
Icebreaker:
What gives you hope?
Overview:
This message is about how
Jesus not only gathers up the fulfillment of David’s covenant, He fulfills God’s covenant with Moses. He is Immanuel- God with us and the Word became flesh and tabernacles among us.
This is the inheritance that Jesus leaves with us:
The presence from which Adam and Eve were driven, that rested on Mt. Sinai, and that sat enthroned in the Temple, now resides IN us! We are the New Testament equivalent to the Old Testament temple.
Just as the temple housed the presence of God in order to make God available to saint/sinner alike and it stood as a testimony to the nations that God dwelt among his people, so too with the church!
Jesus fulfilled The Davidic promise of an eternal kingdom, the Mosaic covenant of access to God and He fulfilled the promise to Abraham to bless all the families of the earth: Access to that presence for the whole world (John 3:16).
Jesus is the fulfillment of all the covenants, all the declarations of God’s love, and at the end of all things, God is once again with His people. The access to the presence of God is restored; Adam has returned to the garden, redemption has been accomplished. What began in Eden, ends in Eden.
Discussion Questions:
Why does Matthew call Jesus, “Son of David, Son of Abraham”?
What role does Jesus have in establishing the New Covenant?
Moses built a temple that housed the presence of God, but because of Jesus, the presence of God now dwells within each of us. Why is this important to you as a follower of Jesus?
How are we saved and what are we saved from according to John 3?
How does understanding the New Covenant support you in your growing relationship with Christ?
How does understanding the New Covenant help you to encourage other believers?
When you reflect upon God's promises that we discussed throughout this series, how are you moved to hope? What promises or characteristics are particularly comforting, or convicting to you right now?