1. Have you ever looked into your family's heritage (family tree) or listened to stories of your family's past from grandparents, etc.? Any interesting stories? Embarassing stories? Do you feel like your family's heritage defines who you are in any way?

2. Read Matt. 1:1-17. Why is something as boring as a genealogy at the beginning of Matthew? Is it important?

3. What kind of people are in Jesus' background? Abraham? Women [Ruth, Tamar, Rahab, Uriah's wife (Bathsheba)]? Gentiles? David?

4. If God can work through so many different people - prophets, kings, prostitutes, and lowly carpenters - do you think he can work through you?

5. Many of the people in this genealogy were nothing special. Even the great King David started out as a small shepherd boy and had his share of faults. What fears hold you back from letting God use you to make an impact?

6. How are you going to look at yourself differently after realizing that God can work through anyone who is willing?

Matthew 1:1-17