Good Morning all. I hope this day finds you blessed and highly favored as it does me. God has allowed me the time to get to the book of Matthew and I’m so excited!! Lets begin by discussing what the book of Matthew is all about.
Matthew was a Jewish tax collector ,who became one of Jesus disciples. This Gospel forms the connection between the Old and New Testament because its emphasis is on fulfillment of prophecy. The time was about A.D 60-65and the key places are Bethlehem,Jerusalem, Capernaum,Galilee, and Judea.
The key people in Matthew are Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the disciples, the religious leaders, Caiaphas, Pilates,and Mary Magdalene. This Gospel is not a chronological account: its purpose was to present the clear evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior.
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No , I came to accomplish thier purpose.” (5:17)
Matthew gave his account by giving Jesus genealogy. He then tells of Jesus birth and early years, including the family escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth.. Following Jesus baptism by John(3:16-17) and his defeat of Satan in the wilderness, Jesus began his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). Matthew shows Christ’s authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon possessed and even raising the dead.
Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment ( chapter 12-15) Jesus continues to teach concerning the Kingdom of Heaven ( chapter 16-20). During this time Jesus spoke to his disciples about his death and resurrection(16:21) and revealed his true identity to Peter, James, and John( 17:1-5). Near the end of his ministry, Jesus enter the city of Jerusalem in a triumphant procession (21:1-11). But soon opposition mounted and Jesus knew that his death was near. So he taught the disciples about the future and what they could expect before his return (chapter 24) and how to live until then(chapter25).
In Matthew’s final chapters(26-28) he focuses on Jesus’ final days on earth -the Last Supper, his prayer at Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peters denial, the trials before Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus final words on the cross and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead–conquering death and telling his followers to continue his work by making disciples in all nations.
As you read the this Gospel, listen to Matthews clear message, Jesus is the Christ, the king of Kings and Lord of lords. Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life!! Amen!!
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