How does God name Joseph? 1.) Son of David 2.) Misunderstood adoptive father 3.) Fugitive refugee 4.) Small-town craftsman Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew 2:13-23 Ephesians 5:22-27 Questions: 1.) Read Matthew 1:21. Naming a child is an act of authority, intimacy, and identity. But Joseph didn't choose the name "Jesus." Joseph didn't have the freedom to name the Son of God. What does this teach us about how we should approach Jesus? Can we make Jesus into what we want, or must we receive Jesus as He is? How do people sometimes try to make Jesus into what they want? 2.) Read Matthew 2:13-14. Joseph had no plans of raising his young family in Egypt for more than 3 years, but that was part of God's plan. How does this story help us to have faith when life throws big things at us that radically change our plans? 3.) Read Ephesians 5:25-27. Joseph decided to secretly divorce Mary, until the angel visited him. He found out that Mary had not been unfaithful. Now consider the love of Jesus for His bride, the church. Even though God's people are riddled with sin, Jesus does not divorce us, but lays His life down and gives everything to love us. How has Jesus' love for you softened your heart?