1. Growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important responsibility (2 Peter 3:18). 2. Searching the Scriptures is the key to achieving this growth because they testify of Him (John 5:39). 3. In this lesson we are searching the Scriptures to identify the Lord's family.
Discussion:
I. THE SCRIPTURES IDENTIFY THE LORD'S PARENTS
A. Mary was the Lord's mother (Luke 1:26-35). B. Although Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Joseph was recognized as His father (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:48).
II. THE SCRIPTURES RECORD THE LORD'S GENEALOGIES
A. His genealogy to Adam through Mary is recorded in Luke 3:23-38. 1. He would be the seed of woman (Genesis 3:15). 2. When the time was right He was "made of a woman" (Galatians 4:4). 3. In his Gospel Luke emphasized the fact that Jesus is "the Son of man." B. His genealogy to Abraham through Joseph is recorded in Matthew 1:1-16. 1. He would be the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). 2. He would be a king from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). 3. In his Gospel Matthew emphasized the fact that Jesus is "the King of the Jews."
III. THE SCRIPTURES IDENTIFY THE LORD'S SIBLINGS
A. He had 4 brothers: James, Joseph, Jude, and Simon (Mark 6:3). 1. At one point they did not believe in Him (John 7:5). 2. However, they were among His followers in Jerusalem after He ascended (Acts 1:14). 3. James: a. became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; Galatians 1:18-19) b. wrote one of the New Testament letters (James 1:1). 4. Jude also wrote a New Testament letter (Jude 1). B. We do not know their names and we do not know how many, but the Lord had sisters as well (Mark 6:3).
IV. THE SCRIPTURES IDENTIFY THE LORD'S SPIRITUAL FAMILY TODAY
A. He referred to His disciples as His "brethren" (John 20:17-18). B. He also identified those who do the Father's will as His family (Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:21).
