Questions to Guide You:

1. Reading Matthew 1:18-25 for the second time, what stands out?
2. “Jesus” is the Greek version of the Hebrew “Joshua,” which means “God Saves.” From Deut 31 and Josh 1, how is Jesus like Joshua?
3. Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, where does Jesus lead us?
4. Why do think Moses and God tell Joshua to be “strong and courageous” so many times?
5. Where are places you need to be “strong and courageous” to follow your Joshua/Jesus?
6. What does the child in Isaiah 9 accomplish? How has Jesus increased your Joy (v3)? What burdens do you need Jesus to lift off you (v4)? Can you let Jesus fight your battles from now on (v5)?
7. What are his names? Think through them slowly. What do they each mean and why are they good news?
8. In Is 11, what “Spirits” will Jesus, the “shoot of Jesse” possess? As followers of Jesus, how should these characterize us?
9. What will the “Shoot of Jesse” (Jesus) accomplish? Good news?

For a printer-friendly copy of this reading plan, including sample questions to augment your study of Scripture, Download the PDF.