Exploring the Gospel of Matthew: A Journey of Faith
Summary
In embarking on a new series, we delve into the Gospel of Matthew, a book rich with teachings and insights that are crucial for our spiritual growth. This journey through Matthew is not about rushing or dragging our feet but about allowing God to reveal His truths to us at the right pace. The Gospel of Matthew is strategically placed at the beginning of the New Testament, not because it holds more importance than the other Gospels, but because it mirrors the Jewish educational style, which is intentional, accidental, and providential. Each Gospel has its unique purpose, and Matthew's is to provide a deeper understanding of Jesus as the Messiah, the new Moses, and Emmanuel, God with us.
Matthew's Gospel is a profound narrative that connects the Old Testament prophecies with the life and mission of Jesus. It is a book that invites us to explore the depths of Jesus' teachings and the fulfillment of the prophecies. The genealogy of Jesus, as presented by Matthew, is not just a list of names but a tapestry of God's redemptive plan, incorporating both Jews and Gentiles into His covenant. This genealogy highlights the inclusion of the nations and the fulfillment of the prophecies, pointing to Jesus as the Messiah.
As we study Matthew, we are encouraged to ask critical questions: Who, why, what, where, and when? These questions help us understand the context and significance of the events and teachings in the Gospel. We are reminded that not every verse is about us, but every verse reveals something about God and His work in the world. Our study of Matthew is not just for personal edification but to equip us to share the Gospel with others, to testify of Jesus' work in our lives, and to understand the richness of God's Word.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel of Matthew is a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, connecting prophecies with their fulfillment in Jesus. It invites us to see Jesus as the Messiah, the new Moses, and Emmanuel, God with us. This understanding deepens our faith and equips us to share the Gospel with others. [02:57]
- Matthew's genealogy of Jesus is a profound narrative that includes both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting God's inclusive redemptive plan. It reminds us that God's covenant is for all people, and we are part of this grand story. [29:40]
- As we study Matthew, we are encouraged to ask critical questions: Who, why, what, where, and when? These questions help us understand the context and significance of the events and teachings in the Gospel, leading to a deeper understanding of God's Word. [45:51]
- Not every verse in the Bible is about us, but every verse reveals something about God and His work in the world. Our study of Matthew is not just for personal edification but to equip us to share the Gospel and testify of Jesus' work in our lives. [50:05]
- The Gospel of Matthew is a gift from God, providing deeper teachings and understandings that we can incorporate into our lives and share with others. It is a journey of discovering the richness of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus. [52:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Introduction to the New Series
[02:57] - The Purpose of the Gospels
[04:24] - Learning and Understanding
[05:51] - The Love of Jesus
[07:10] - Generational Knowledge
[09:18] - The Journey Through the Gospels
[10:15] - Sharing the Gospel
[12:13] - The Role of Rabbis
[14:49] - The Simplicity of Mark
[16:49] - The Complexity of Matthew
[18:26] - The Eyewitness Account
[19:47] - The Importance of Scripture
[20:49] - Authorship of Matthew
[22:25] - Jesus as the New Moses
[24:06] - The Genealogy of Jesus
[25:16] - The Significance of Names
[26:45] - The Story of Judah
[28:00] - The Role of Joseph
[29:40] - Inclusion of the Nations
[31:18] - The Women in Jesus' Lineage
[32:29] - The Controversy of History
[33:57] - The Psalms and Prophecies
[36:02] - The Fulfillment of the Prophets
[37:02] - The Tanakh and Jesus
[38:10] - The Legacy of King Josiah
[40:51] - The Lineage of Jesus
[41:58] - The Registry of King David's Descendants
[43:06] - The Eternal Kingship of Jesus
[44:24] - The Generations of Jesus
[45:51] - The Richness of God's Word
[47:35] - The Importance of Names and Places
[48:52] - Understanding Biblical Principles
[50:05] - The Application of Scripture
[51:26] - Treasuring God's Word
[52:23] - Conclusion and Prayer
[53:11] - Closing Worship and Blessing
[58:11] - Farewell and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Exploring the Gospel of Matthew
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
2. Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Emmanuel
3. Deuteronomy 18:15 - Prophecy of a Prophet like Moses
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the genealogy presented in Matthew 1:1-17, and how does it connect Jesus to both Jewish and Gentile heritage? [24:06]
2. How does the Gospel of Matthew serve as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, according to the sermon? [02:57]
3. What role do the women mentioned in Jesus' genealogy play in highlighting God's inclusive redemptive plan? [31:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the educational style mirrored by the placement of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament? [02:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Matthew's genealogy emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and why is this important for understanding Jesus as the Messiah? [24:06]
2. How does the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in Jesus' genealogy reflect God's covenantal promise, and what does this mean for believers today? [29:40]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of asking critical questions (who, why, what, where, when) when studying the Gospel of Matthew? [45:51]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept that not every verse in the Bible is about us, but every verse reveals something about God? [50:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17. How does understanding your spiritual heritage impact your faith journey today? [24:06]
2. The sermon encourages asking critical questions when studying the Bible. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily Bible study to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word? [45:51]
3. Consider the idea that not every verse is about us, but every verse reveals something about God. How can this perspective change the way you approach reading the Bible? [50:05]
4. The Gospel of Matthew is described as a gift from God. What specific teachings or insights from Matthew have you found most impactful, and how can you share these with others? [52:23]
5. How does the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in Jesus' genealogy challenge or affirm your understanding of God's redemptive plan for all people? [29:40]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding the context of biblical events and teachings. How can you apply this approach to a specific passage or story in the Bible this week? [48:52]
7. Reflect on the prophecy of Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14) and its fulfillment in Jesus. How does this truth influence your relationship with God and your understanding of His presence in your life? [24:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The Gospel of Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, connecting the prophecies of the Old Testament with their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This Gospel invites readers to see Jesus as the Messiah, the new Moses, and Emmanuel, God with us. By understanding Jesus in these roles, believers can deepen their faith and be better equipped to share the Gospel with others. Matthew's narrative is not just a historical account but a theological tapestry that reveals the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. [02:57]
Matthew 5:17-18 (ESV): "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy change the way you view the Old Testament? Can you identify a specific prophecy that resonates with you today?
Day 2: The Inclusive Genealogy of Jesus
Matthew's genealogy of Jesus is more than a list of names; it is a profound narrative that includes both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting God's inclusive redemptive plan. This genealogy reminds us that God's covenant is for all people, and we are part of this grand story. By incorporating diverse individuals into Jesus' lineage, Matthew emphasizes the universal scope of God's salvation plan, inviting all nations to partake in His covenant. [29:40]
Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."
Reflection: Consider the diversity in your own family or community. How can you celebrate and embrace this diversity as part of God's inclusive plan?
Day 3: Asking Critical Questions in Bible Study
As we study the Gospel of Matthew, we are encouraged to ask critical questions: Who, why, what, where, and when? These questions help us understand the context and significance of the events and teachings in the Gospel, leading to a deeper understanding of God's Word. By engaging with the text in this way, we can uncover the richness of the Scriptures and apply their teachings to our lives. [45:51]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: Choose a passage from Matthew to study this week. What questions can you ask to gain a deeper understanding of its message and context?
Day 4: Every Verse Reveals God's Work
Not every verse in the Bible is about us, but every verse reveals something about God and His work in the world. Our study of Matthew is not just for personal edification but to equip us to share the Gospel and testify of Jesus' work in our lives. By focusing on what each verse reveals about God's character and His plan, we can grow in our understanding and appreciation of His Word. [50:05]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent Bible passage you read. What did it reveal about God's character or His work in the world?
Day 5: The Gift of Matthew's Gospel
The Gospel of Matthew is a gift from God, providing deeper teachings and understandings that we can incorporate into our lives and share with others. It is a journey of discovering the richness of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus. By engaging with this Gospel, we can grow in our faith and be inspired to live out its teachings in our daily lives. [52:23]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you let the teachings of Matthew's Gospel dwell richly in your life this week? What specific steps can you take to share its message with others?
Quotes
"Matthew is so critically important for us as believers. Because, you know, in Isaiah chapter 2 and Micah chapter 4, there was this prophecy about God himself coming and teaching us his ways. Wait a minute. Moses already came. Moses got the Torah. He was on the scroll, came down. People were worshiping a golden calf, doing all kinds of things they shouldn't be doing. Throw the stones, go back up at the mountain, come down with the same pair again. And we already read this story in Numbers and Exodus. We've read this story of how it comes to Deuteronomy. But why would there be a prophecy that there would be a time in which God himself would come and teach us his ways?" [00:11:01]
"Matthew is so rich. Because you, I know, have been studying the Bible. You, I know, in your walk with God. You, I know, who want to know more. And so as we go into Matthew, you're very much like the ones in whom Jesus was sharing. With in Galilee. You are the kind of person that Matthew would be writing. One, not to just give you new information. But to put down the eyewitness account. Of who Jesus is. That you would be able to grab a hold of that into your own life. That you can then share your Jesus with someone else." [00:18:26]
"Matthew was so intentional with this genealogy. Let's look at it. It's really great. Starting in verse 1. The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Great. Thank you. Abraham. Abraham. Well, Adam. Abraham. David. Jesus. That's what I needed to know. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. So, what does this immediately tell us? Now, remember, the people already know the previous stories." [00:24:39]
"Jacob, who was called Israel, who ended up having the 12 sons and then even upon his death, blessed. He blessed each of the sons and as he blessed each of the sons, even though Joseph was his favorite, he blessed Judah to become the king, the ruler over his brothers. We had this prophecy. We had these things. So we have that whole story. We're like, wait a minute, but wasn't Joseph really important because didn't the brothers have to come and bow to him? And one of our very first messianic, examples was Joseph. Not Joshua, sorry, Joseph." [00:27:35]
"Salmon, the father of Boaz, his mother was Rahab, a Gentile of Jericho, a former pagan, someone who had seen the outpouring of God, joined herself to Israel, married a man who becomes known as the kinsman redeemer. This is fascinating and amazing. Who was the father of Obed? By who? Ruth. All of the women being mentioned in the beginning of the genealogy of Jesus are not great Jewish women. But they are women who came from the nations, who saw the living God of Israel, who said, I will join with the living God of Israel and your people and God." [00:31:18]
"And then, after showing and demonstrating that he is the Messiah of the line of David, and the beginning of the prophecies of who the Messiah is to be, he's to become, Jesus is to be the new Moses. Remember, Moses said, do you guys remember that stunning commentary and teaching that I did way back at the end of September or beginning of October, in which I shared on this point, and which, which Moses, at the end of his life, said, there will be another who will arise out of you greater than me." [00:22:47]
"Matthew, in this genealogy, purposely taking this king, Asa, who wasn't a very good guy, and changing it to Asaph, to all of a sudden bring in to the reader and listener, the ones who had memorized many, many psalms, including the psalm of Asaph, this guy, Jesus. Jesus is not just from Abraham, not just from Judah, not just from David, but he's also the one who has been mentioned in all of these psalms, all these prophetic psalms, all of these messianic psalms, all of these hopes. Jesus is the one in the psalm." [00:34:39]
"And did you want to know something more? You can Google it if you want, but there is an online registry today of the descendants of King David. And there is a grouping of people who all argue that they are the rightful heir and king of the lineage of David to this day. That line has kept the knowledge of their family. Mine did not. Now, my father's line, we can trace back, you know, like, you know, oh gosh, 800 years. My mother's line, we can trace back 1,200 years. That's nothing compared to the people who trace back to King David." [00:42:38]
"When you're reading Matthew or any book of the Bible, but especially, let's say the Gospels for now, you want to understand the who, why, what, where, and when. Very simple, critical thinking questions. Who, why, what, where, when. Who is being referenced? Who's in the story? Who also, if there's a name given, who has shared this name in the scripture? Because for that name to come back and to be recorded is to draw to attention the people who know the oral history so they can immediately think of, oh, that Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, and that Joseph." [00:45:52]
"How does this story give evidence and credence to Jesus being Messiah, Savior, and God? This is going to give you the strength to be able to witness, not like a scholar, but why your story matters. My story was just like this other person's story. God did this for me, just as he did it for somebody else. You don't have to become a Bible scholar to prove somebody else is wrong, but what you need is the scripture to back up your life." [00:50:40]
"We thank you that you have given us deeper teachings with deeper understandings, that we ourselves can make it part of who we are, that we can share it, that Lord, you want us to share it. You want us to share the gospel. So we just ask for that. So Lord, I pray that you take the nugget, the treasure, and you hide it in each and every heart. Prepare us for all that you have and let the book of Matthew truly be the gift from you to us and the people in our lives for the furthering of the glory of the name. Testimony of Jesus. I pray. Amen." [00:52:45]
"Matthew's genealogy of Jesus is a profound narrative that includes both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting God's inclusive redemptive plan. It reminds us that God's covenant is for all people, and we are part of this grand story. As we study Matthew, we are encouraged to ask critical questions: Who, why, what, where, and when? These questions help us understand the context and significance of the events and teachings in the Gospel, leading to a deeper understanding of God's Word." [00:29:40]
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