Unveiling the Gospels: Insights from Matthew
Summary
Starting a new series is always an exciting time, and today marks the beginning of a journey through the Gospels with a fresh perspective. The aim is to transform how we read and understand these foundational texts by uncovering facts that are often overlooked. These insights are not typically taught in church, yet they hold the power to deepen our comprehension of the Gospels. The term "Gospel" itself can be confusing, as it is used in various contexts, from the good news of Jesus Christ to the genre of Gospel music. At its core, the Gospel is the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, offering salvation to all.
The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are distinct accounts of Jesus' life and ministry, each written for different audiences and purposes. Understanding the context and intent behind each Gospel can significantly enhance our reading experience. For instance, Matthew's Gospel is written to a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This is evident in Matthew's frequent references to the Old Testament, aiming to convince the Jewish people that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before following Jesus. His background equipped him with skills in Greek shorthand, allowing him to document Jesus' teachings word for word. This precision is reflected in the detailed accounts found in his Gospel. Despite being initially despised by his people for his role as a tax collector, Matthew's transformation and dedication to spreading the Gospel are evident in his writings.
The Gospel of Matthew concludes with the Great Commission, a call to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe Jesus' commands. This task may seem daunting, but Matthew reassures us with Jesus' promise: "I am with you." This assurance empowers us to carry out our mission with confidence, knowing that we are not alone.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, offering salvation to all people. It is not about legalism or additional rules but about the transformative power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This message is for everyone, regardless of background or status. [10:45]
- Understanding the context and audience of each Gospel enriches our reading. Matthew's Gospel, for example, is written to a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This perspective helps us see the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. [38:23]
- Matthew's background as a tax collector equipped him with skills that allowed him to document Jesus' teachings with precision. His Gospel is known for its detailed accounts, reflecting his ability to transcribe word for word. This highlights the importance of using our unique skills and experiences in service to God. [42:55]
- The Great Commission is a call to action for all believers. It challenges us to make disciples, baptize, and teach others about Jesus. While this task may seem overwhelming, we are reminded that Jesus is with us, providing the strength and guidance we need. [52:22]
- The Gospel of Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. This understanding deepens our appreciation of the Bible as a unified story of God's redemptive plan. [52:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the New Series
[02:15] - Understanding the Gospel
[05:45] - The Good News for All
[10:45] - Clarifying the Term "Gospel"
[15:00] - The Four Gospels Explained
[20:30] - Why Four Gospels?
[25:00] - Visual Learning Approach
[30:00] - Introducing the Gospel Writers
[35:00] - Matthew's Unique Perspective
[38:23] - Matthew's Background and Skills
[42:55] - The Precision of Matthew's Gospel
[47:00] - The Heart of Matthew's Message
[52:22] - The Great Commission
[55:00] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Isaiah 7:14 (Prophecy of the Virgin Birth)
3. Matthew 1:22-23 (Fulfillment of Prophecy)
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the term "Gospel" as explained in the sermon, and how does it differ from other uses of the word? [10:45]
2. How does Matthew's background as a tax collector influence the way he documented Jesus' teachings in his Gospel? [42:55]
3. What is the primary audience of the Gospel of Matthew, and how does this influence the content and style of the Gospel? [38:23]
4. How does the Gospel of Matthew serve as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, according to the sermon? [52:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to understand the context and audience of each Gospel, particularly Matthew's, when reading the New Testament? [38:23]
2. How does Matthew's transformation from a tax collector to a disciple of Jesus illustrate the power of the Gospel message? [42:55]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission challenge believers today, and how does Jesus' promise of being with us provide comfort in this task? [52:22]
4. How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the Gospel of Matthew deepen our understanding of Jesus as the Messiah? [52:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of the term "Gospel." How has this sermon changed or clarified your perspective on what the Gospel truly means? [10:45]
2. Matthew used his skills as a tax collector to serve God. What unique skills or experiences do you have that you can use to serve in your community or church? [42:55]
3. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone in your life? [52:22]
4. Matthew's Gospel emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. How can this understanding enhance your appreciation of the Bible as a unified story? [52:22]
5. Consider the assurance that Jesus is with us as we carry out the Great Commission. How does this promise impact your willingness to engage in evangelism and discipleship? [52:22]
6. Matthew's Gospel was written to convince the Jewish people of Jesus as the Messiah. How can you use your knowledge of Scripture to engage in meaningful conversations with those who may be skeptical of the Christian faith? [38:23]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt like an outsider, similar to Matthew's experience as a tax collector. How did you find acceptance, and how can you extend that same grace to others in your community? [42:55]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel as Transformative Good News
The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, offering salvation to all people. It is not about legalism or additional rules but about the transformative power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This message is for everyone, regardless of background or status. The Gospel invites us into a relationship with God, where we are transformed by His love and grace. It is a message of hope and redemption, calling us to live in the freedom that Christ offers. Understanding this core message helps us to see the Gospel not as a set of rules but as a life-changing invitation. [10:45]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace the transformative power of the Gospel in your daily life, moving beyond rules to a relationship with Jesus?
Day 2: Contextual Understanding of the Gospels
Understanding the context and audience of each Gospel enriches our reading. Matthew's Gospel, for example, is written to a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This perspective helps us see the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. By recognizing the unique context of each Gospel, we can appreciate the diverse ways in which the story of Jesus is told and how it speaks to different audiences. This understanding allows us to see the Gospels as a unified narrative that reveals God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. [38:23]
"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." (Matthew 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding the specific audience and context of Matthew's Gospel change the way you read and apply its teachings today?
Day 3: Using Our Unique Skills for God's Glory
Matthew's background as a tax collector equipped him with skills that allowed him to document Jesus' teachings with precision. His Gospel is known for its detailed accounts, reflecting his ability to transcribe word for word. This highlights the importance of using our unique skills and experiences in service to God. Just as Matthew used his abilities to contribute to the Gospel, we are called to use our talents and experiences to further God's kingdom. Recognizing and valuing our unique contributions can inspire us to serve God with dedication and purpose. [42:55]
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching." (Romans 12:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What unique skills or experiences do you have that you can use to serve God and others in your community today?
Day 4: The Empowering Promise of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a call to action for all believers. It challenges us to make disciples, baptize, and teach others about Jesus. While this task may seem overwhelming, we are reminded that Jesus is with us, providing the strength and guidance we need. This promise empowers us to carry out our mission with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. Embracing the Great Commission means stepping out in faith, trusting in Jesus' presence and power as we share the Gospel with the world. [52:22]
"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively participate in the Great Commission, trusting in Jesus' promise to be with you?
Day 5: The Gospel of Matthew as a Bridge
The Gospel of Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. This understanding deepens our appreciation of the Bible as a unified story of God's redemptive plan. By seeing Matthew's Gospel in this light, we can better understand the continuity of God's work throughout history and how Jesus is the culmination of God's promises. This perspective enriches our faith and encourages us to see the Bible as a cohesive narrative of God's love and redemption. [52:22]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How does viewing the Gospel of Matthew as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments enhance your understanding of God's redemptive plan?
Quotes
The Gospel of Matthew. Is actually written to them. Those people. It's written to the Jews. He's writing to the Jews. The reason he's writing to the Jews. Is he wants to say. Guys. This is the guy. What you've been waiting for. You see. The whole Old Testament. The whole Old Testament. The prophets and all. Are telling you prophecies. Of this coming Messiah. [00:43:46] (22 seconds)
Matthew was a broken man. His name was also Levi. Levi would have been his Greek name. So, here's Matthew. Can you imagine this guy? And, he's probably, you know, having a hard time fitting in with these fishermen, you know. I don't know. Many of y 'all have heard one of the apostles. Called Simon the Zealot. You know, what zealot would have meant. Those were people who actually killed tax collectors. [00:41:56] (28 seconds)
Matthew would have known Greek shorthand. That's the first thing that a tax collector has learned. Is that they learned Greek. So, they can word for word. They can, when someone's talking. They can document word for word exactly what you're saying. And, he could transcribe it later. They would have known that. That's the reason when you read the letter. The Gospel of Matthew. Have you ever noticed this? [00:42:44] (24 seconds)
Matthew. Even though he was popular amongst his people. And, then he was hated amongst them. He still had a heart for them. Because, Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew. Is actually written to them. Those people. It's written to the Jews. He's writing to the Jews. The reason he's writing to the Jews. Is he wants to say. Guys. This is the guy. What you've been waiting for. [00:43:46] (25 seconds)
Matthew. Here's the cool part of it, Matthew. Matthew. Even though he was popular amongst his people. And, then he was hated amongst them. He still had a heart for them. Because, Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew. Is actually written to them. Those people. It's written to the Jews. He's writing to the Jews. The reason he's writing to the Jews. Is he wants to say. Guys. This is the guy. What you've been waiting for. [00:43:46] (27 seconds)
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