Set 11: The Living Word
We will spend four weeks studying Jesus' ministry in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). We will focus on one book every week, starting with Matthew.
Matthew's gospel is primarily focused on showing the Jewish population how Jesus is the promised Messiah. Matthew spends a lot of time making connections between the life and work of Jesus on earth to the prophesies of the Old Testament. He emphasizes how Jesus is part of David's lineage. He also uses common Jewish phrases such as "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Son of David" and does not spend time explaining Jewish customs, showing that the people he is writing to would have already been familiar with them.
Matthew does, however, finish with the strong emphasis of the Great Commission, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... (Matt 28:19)." This shows that while Matthew is wanting the Jews to recognize Jesus as the promised Christ, Jesus is the sacrifice and atonement for all people.
READ
REVIEW
Message from Sunday, January 7th
DISCOVER
The 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the four books of the Bible that focus on recording the work of Jesus on earth. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the "Synoptic Gospels" because they follow a similar story pattern and have more overlap to which stories they record.
The Author: The writer of Matthew has long been considered to be the apostle Matthew (one of Jesus' 12 disciples). In the Gospels, he was sometimes called Levi.
New Testament Languages: While Matthew was written especially with the Jewish people in mind, the bulk of the writing was Greek! The New Testament in general was first written in Greek, though some of the words of Jesus were recorded in Hebrew and/or Aramaic.
NEXT STEPS
These questions can apply to all readings individually or can be done after all readings are finished.
PRAY
Jesus, King of Heaven and Son of David, You have fulfilled every promise God made to the Israelites. Give us eyes of faith to clearly see both our sins and the depth of your forgiveness to us. Make us bold through the power of the Holy Spirit to believe the messages you give us about life and salvation. Give us the strength to share that message to everyone around us. Grow us daily as we read scripture and pray, especially as we reengage the Big Picture series. Thank you for the grace you show us every day. Amen.
You can engage these readings and devotional times individually or as a group. If you want to send an email to Family of Christ with your thoughts and questions, you are invited to click the link below.
Matthew's gospel is primarily focused on showing the Jewish population how Jesus is the promised Messiah. Matthew spends a lot of time making connections between the life and work of Jesus on earth to the prophesies of the Old Testament. He emphasizes how Jesus is part of David's lineage. He also uses common Jewish phrases such as "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Son of David" and does not spend time explaining Jewish customs, showing that the people he is writing to would have already been familiar with them.
Matthew does, however, finish with the strong emphasis of the Great Commission, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... (Matt 28:19)." This shows that while Matthew is wanting the Jews to recognize Jesus as the promised Christ, Jesus is the sacrifice and atonement for all people.
READ
- January 08 The Word Became Flesh – John 1:1-18 || LISTEN
- January 09 Gabriel’s Message – Luke 1:1-80 || LISTEN
- January 10 The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-40 || LISTEN
- January 11 John the Baptist – Luke 3:1-20 || LISTEN
- January 12 Baptism and Temptation – Matthew 3:13-4:17 || LISTEN
REVIEW
Message from Sunday, January 7th
DISCOVER
The 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the four books of the Bible that focus on recording the work of Jesus on earth. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the "Synoptic Gospels" because they follow a similar story pattern and have more overlap to which stories they record.
The Author: The writer of Matthew has long been considered to be the apostle Matthew (one of Jesus' 12 disciples). In the Gospels, he was sometimes called Levi.
New Testament Languages: While Matthew was written especially with the Jewish people in mind, the bulk of the writing was Greek! The New Testament in general was first written in Greek, though some of the words of Jesus were recorded in Hebrew and/or Aramaic.
NEXT STEPS
These questions can apply to all readings individually or can be done after all readings are finished.
- What did you find most interesting or thought-provoking?
- What challenged you?
- How does the physical presence of God affect the people around Jesus in these stories?
- What does this Biblical account invite you to do, think, or believe after reading it?
PRAY
Jesus, King of Heaven and Son of David, You have fulfilled every promise God made to the Israelites. Give us eyes of faith to clearly see both our sins and the depth of your forgiveness to us. Make us bold through the power of the Holy Spirit to believe the messages you give us about life and salvation. Give us the strength to share that message to everyone around us. Grow us daily as we read scripture and pray, especially as we reengage the Big Picture series. Thank you for the grace you show us every day. Amen.
You can engage these readings and devotional times individually or as a group. If you want to send an email to Family of Christ with your thoughts and questions, you are invited to click the link below.
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