READ Matthew 1
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)
REFLECT
The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 lists so many of the characters that we have read about so far in the Jesse tree. It shows the long list of descendants all the way from Abraham through to Jacob, Rahab, Ruth, Jesse, David, and Joseph.
In the story of Jesus' birth, Joseph plays a big part. Hes not as central to the narrative as Mary, yet we shouldn't overlook him. Joseph could have said, "No way! I'm not going to marry her anymore. Even though I love Mary, I want to have a normal life. I don't want to be the adoptive dad of the Son of God. That's weird. People will think I'm weird." But he didn't. Joseph said, "Yes, I'll marry her. I'll help raise the Son of God. I'll let people think I'm weird."
Joseph cared less about what other people thought and more about what God thought. He cared more about Mary and less about himself. And because of that, God gave him a pretty cool part in God’s story. God used Joseph to raise Jesus. Joseph got to teach Jesus how to use a hammer and build a chair, how to read the Bible, and how to love other people. Joseph got to be Jesus’ dad.
TALK
PRAY
God, thank you for inviting Joseph into your story, and for the example, he sets for us. Help me think less about my reputation and more about following you and your good ways. Help me to be brave and strong to do your good in the world. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree
Think about someone who has been a positive influence in your life and find a way to bless them.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
Join us for Easter 2025 as we reflect on God’s ongoing story of renewal for the whole of creation, and how our story weaves and intertwines with God’s story. Over seven
weeks, we will journey with people from past generations and hear stories of how God renewed their lives through transforming encounters, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and faithfulness. As we hear and reflect on the stories of others, we will also reflect on how God is renewing our lives, and our Church, and what God is calling us to do in the
renewal process.
The 2 attached documents contain resources, including recipes, videos, prayers, and stories, to help your family explore scripture, themes, and special days of Easter at home.
Join us for Lent 2025 as we reflect on God’s ongoing story of renewal for the whole of creation, and how our story weaves and intertwines with God’s story. Over seven
weeks, we will journey with people from past generations and hear stories of how God renewed their lives through transforming encounters, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and faithfulness. As we hear and reflect on the stories of others, we will also reflect on how God is renewing our lives, and our Church, and what God is calling us to do in the
renewal process.
The 2 attached documents contain resources, including recipes, videos, prayers, and stories, to help your family explore scripture, themes, and special days of Lent at home.
Join us for Lent 2025 as we reflect on God’s ongoing story of renewal for the whole of creation, and how our story weaves and intertwines with God’s story. Over seven
weeks, we will journey with people from past generations and hear stories of how God renewed their lives through transforming encounters, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and faithfulness. As we hear and reflect on the stories of others, we will also reflect on how God is renewing our lives, and our Church, and what God is calling us to do in the
renewal process.
The 2 attached documents contain resources, including recipes, videos, prayers, and stories, to help your family explore scripture, themes, and special days of Lent at home.