The Outcast

Matthew 1:1-3 & Genesis 38 ESV

Tamar’s story is messy, painful and unexpected, yet God intentionally includes her in the family line of Jesus. Judah runs, hides, and sins; Tamar is overlooked and pushed aside. But even in a story full of failure and brokenness, God is quietly working redemption. This message reminds us that the same God who brought Christ through a messy lineage can work through the mess in our lives today.

1. What stories in the Bible made you do a double take? Why?

2. Read Proverbs 4:19 — Can you relate to Judah’s desire to hide among the sinners?

3. What do you think caused Judah to be a passive father?

       a. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-7 — What should an active father do?

4. Onan’s story is not one we enjoy reading: in fact, Pastor Ryan cringed to read it to us. Why do you think God included such detail in his word?

       a. Did you find Pastor Ryan’s explanation of Onan’s sin helpful?

5. Read 2 Samuel 11:22- 12:14 & John 8:2-11 — Pastor Ryan said that the most self-righteous people are the ones living in unrepentant sin. How does this truth hold true in these other Bible stories?

       a. Read Psalm 51 — How did David respond to God’s discipline?

6. If someone wanted to be president, with a family history like Jesus’, what would we think of him?

7. Read Isaiah 53:4-6, 12 & Romans 2:21-26— When Jesus went to the cross, he suffered for the sins of Judah, the sins of Er and Onan, the sins of the history of the world and he took that suffering on willingly. What does this tell us about God’s mercy and justice?

8. When we are redeemed, we are washed clean of our sin. How will this sermon keep you from living in sin in the future?