For each lesson, below are the assignments to do ahead of time. The links will provide you materials to watch and read in preparation for the next class.

1. Jesus – The Origins of God’s Story and Family (Matthew 1)

Watch: The Messiah (Bible Project Video)

Read: Matthew 1

Read: Kinlaw, “Let’s Start with Jesus,” p.52-57 (pdf)

Reflect:  How do you suppose Jesus thought about his family roots/story? How was this important in shaping him into the man he would become as he grew up? What values would he have been taught? What stories would he have learned about his heritage? What would he have learned about God from the Old Testament (Hebrew) Bible? What are some basics about your own family roots, where you came from, and what you thought about God growing up and how you’ve learned about God?