[bajj]

If you want to hear my view, I'll share. Please know I am not trying to shove my beliefs down yours or anyone else's throat, ok? I am, by no means, an expert at all!

I do not believe she was sinless as I believe the only human to ever walk this earth sinless would be Christ.

I believe He was conceived immaculately as we are told in Matthew 1:18-25 (and other areas, but we are currently studying Matthew so I will stick to this account).

I do not believe Mary remained a virgin after Jesus' birth. We are told in verse 25 that Joseph did not know Mary until after Christ's birth.

[lovemy2boys]

Thanks, Ani. I appreciate your point of view.

[Juliana13]

I guess I just assumed that most Christian religions believed that Mary was a virgin until after Christ was born. I do.

As for worthiness, she must have been the most perfect woman on earth. Not perfect, of course, since no one but Christ was perfect, but the most pure and humble woman who lived. She had to have been strong and faithful. I imagine God chose the mother of His Son very carefully.

By that same token, I imagine that Joseph was the most perfect man for the job, too. He was obviously humble, kind and teachable. He listened when told of Mary's situation, and married her anyway, when most others would have walked away. He was sensitive enough to the spirit to hear and understand the urgent command to flee before Herod's soldiers could kill Jesus. Joseph gets little recognition, he's not a prophet or great leader, - he taught no sermons that we read of, and we have little information about him. In the world's view, he was pretty insignificant. But I can only imagine that he was great man. God chose him to be the earthly father of the Savior of the world. He must have been a man of great faith, one who would guide and teach and love Jesus as he grew. He probably taught many great things to young Jesus on a daily basis. And really, what greater calling is there on earth than to be a great father or mother?

Okay - you were all talking about Mary... and I had to insert a few thoughts on Joseph.

[bajj]

That's fine Juliana. I don't mind discussing Joseph, too. I agree, God chose earthly parents for Jesus very carefully.

BTW, there are some religions that teach Mary always remained a virgin. I think most don't, but some do.

[Juliana13]

And what chapters are we supposed to be on now??

[bajj]

I think we're still covering the first 4! If you would like to "host" the next session, please feel free and go ahead and name which chapters!

[lovemy2boys]

Ok - I remember a while ago Ani mentioned that it would be good to do Chapters 5, 6 and 7 together...So why don't we read those? Maybe we can discuss them for the next week or two (since Christmas will probably slow us down).

I'll try to think of some insightful questions (don't hold your breath though - haha). Or maybe we can all come up with something...

[bajj]

There should be A LOT to discuss in those 3 chapters, as they are the Sermon on the Mount. Lots and lots of good stuff in there to dig through.

I think we will need a lot of time on them, if we really get into the meat of it all. I will have to go reread it.

[kakuehl]

Before we move to the Sermon on the Mount, let's discuss Chapters 3 & 4.

Those of us who attend churches that use the common lectionary heard most of the third chapter in worship on the second Sunday of Advent (Dec.9) The rest of it will be read on Jan.13 (the Baptism of our Lord).

Here's a question to discuss: What does John the Baptist's message have to do with us today? Who are the pharisees in today's world?

[bajj]

OK Kathy, I do go to church. I attend worship services twice on Sundays and Bible class on Wednesdays followed by a short devotional. But I must say, I am clueless, what is Advent? I mean, I know advent calendars count down to Christmas. What exactly is Advent? And no, I did not hear a sermon taught on Matthew 3 on Dec 9.

Do you mind filling me in? Thanks!

[kakuehl]

For those who don't know what I mean by advent. Some denominations organize the year by "seasons of the Church year"; The Church year begins with Advent. Advent is a season of hope; of preparation for both the celebration Christ's birth and for Christ's return. It is the 4 Sundays before December 25. Christmas is then celebrated for 12 days. The next season is called Epiphany... It begins on January 6th with the observance of the arrival of the magi (wisemen) in Bethlehem with the gifts. Lent is the next Sunday and begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 6 on 08). Lent is 40 days (not counting Sundays) and is a season of repentance and preparation for the celebration of Easter. Easter lasts for a week of Sundays. The longest season of the Church year is Pentcost which last from Pentecost Sunday until Advent...

I know that's a very brief explanation, but I hope it helps.

We also have a 3 year lectionary of assigned readings from scripture for each day.

[bajj]

Clear as mud.

What would you like to discuss about chapter 3?

[kakuehl]

Sorry... Just assume that Advent is a time to prepare our hearts, minds, and lives (!) for the coming of Christ.

Here's a question to discuss: What does John the Baptist's message have to do with us today? Who are the pharisees in today's world?

[bajj]

I would say Pharisees are those who are strict on the letter of the law yet don't practice what they preach. The church members who are quick to judge, and quick to puff themselves up. Those who do things for show and not from their heart.

I could go on, but I should stop for now. Trust me, I should stop for now!

[Withay]

In Matthew 3:7 it is said that many of the Pharisees and Sadducees came to where John was baptizing people in the Jordan River.

I have always been a little confused about the Pharisees and Sadducees. I know that Mark 12:18 describes the Sadducees as believing that there is no resurrection, but do the Pharisees believe in the resurrection?

Webster's defines Pharisees as: a member of an ancient Jewish group that interpreted and observed the Mosaic law strictly.

A Saduccee is defined as: a member of an ancient Jewish sect that retained the older interpretation of the written Mosaic law.

What is the Mosaic law?